Using touts or security men in debt recovery is strictly prohibited in Nigeria. Debt collectors are required to operate within the confines of the law, and any form of harassment, intimidation, or unlawful seizure of property is considered a breach of debtors' rights.

*Prohibited Practices:*

- *Harassment or Threats*: Debt collectors cannot threaten or intimidate debtors, including physical harm, threatening phone calls, or aggressive visits.
- *Public Shaming*: Debt collectors are not allowed to publicly shame debtors by publishing their names or tarnishing their reputation.
- *Unlawful Seizure of Property*: Debt collectors cannot forcibly seize a debtor's assets without following legal procedures

*Permissible Methods:*

- *Issuing Demand Letters*: Debt collectors can send demand letters to debtors, specifying the debt amount, interest, and penalties.
- *Negotiation and Settlement*: Debt collectors can engage in negotiation and mediation to arrive at a settlement plan.
- *Involvement of Legal Practitioners*: Creditors can involve lawyers to initiate court proceedings to enforce debt collection.

*Consequences of Unlawful Practices:*

- *Fines*: Debt collectors can face fines for violating debt collection laws.
- *Civil Litigation*: Debtors can sue debt collectors for damages.
- *Criminal Prosecution*: In extreme cases, debt collectors may face criminal charges and imprisonment.

Debt collectors must adhere to legal obligations, prioritize compliance, and respect debtors' rights to avoid severe penalties.
[07/06, 10:45] +234 806 940 3103: Using the police in civil matters is generally not permissible in Nigeria. According to Section 32(2) of the Police Act, "The Act prohibits the Police from arresting anyone based on a civil wrong or breach of contract." This means the police are not supposed to get involved in disputes that don't involve criminal activity. Police powers are limited to detecting and preventing crimes, apprehending suspects, preserving law and order, protecting lives and properties, and enforcing laws.
Civil disputes, including contract breaches or debt collection, don't fall under their jurisdiction.

*Key Points to Note:*

- *Police Role*: The police are not debt collectors or enforcers of civil contracts. Their primary duty is to handle criminal matters, not civil disputes.
- *Human Rights Protection*: Nigerian law protects individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention, aligning with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human Rights.
- *Consequences of Misuse*: Wrongful arrest and detention can lead to damages and lawsuits for malicious prosecution.
- *Legal Framework*: The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Police Act outline the guidelines for police actions, emphasizing the need for warrants, bail, and humane treatment of suspects

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has also emphasized that the police have no business with civil matters, reinforcing this principle