Google has removed Sokoloan, EasyMoni and some other loan sharks from its play store following a request by the Nigerian government on the extortionary activities of these loan platforms, OduNews reports.
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission had in recent times clamped down on the offices of these loan sharks following complaints by Nigerians on how their privacies are being breached when they default on payments.
As of the time of filing this report, OduNews can confirm that Sokoloan, EasyMoni and Speedy Choice have been dropped from the Google Playstore.
FCCPC boss had in March written order to Google and Apple to delist some loan apps following complaints from users relating to illegal banking practices. The companies reported are Sokoloan and Blue Ridge loan apps; GoCash, Okash, EasyCredit, Kashkash, Speedy Choice and Easy Moni.
The loan apps have been accused of blackmailing their users who borrowed money but failed to meet the payment due date. Some have posted customers’ fake obituaries to enforce the recovery of their loans.
In a statement released in March, FCCPC had stormed the offices of the companies, Babatunde Irukera directed banks to close their accounts, in a bid to halt the unregulated loan apps’ operation.
“In addition to the physical operation noted above, the Commission entered and served orders on multiple financial institutions freezing or suspending operations of certain accounts which some of the money lenders have used to conduct implicated business or transactions subject to investigation.
“Further, the FCCPC also entered and served wide-ranging orders on Google LLC (Play Store) and Apple Inc. (App Store) to enforce the withdrawal of certain applications where evidence has established inappropriate conduct or use of the application in violation of the rights of consumers.” Irukera had stated.
