What is a "cease and desist" letter and how do I write one?

A Cease and Desist Letter is a formal legal document demanding that a debt collector immediately stop all harassing communications. Under Nigerian law, this letter serves multiple purposes:

• Formally documents your demand to stop collection activities
• Establishes a legal paper trail for potential court action
• Puts the collector on notice about potential legal consequences
• References relevant legislation including the CBN Consumer Protection Framework and constitutional rights regarding dignity and privacy

What illegal harassment includes:

• Threatening or harassing you
• Sending abusive or defamatory messages
• Contacting your family, friends, or workplace
• Accessing or misusing your phone contacts
• Publicly shaming you or sharing your private information

How to Write a Cease and Desist Letter

A proper cease and desist letter should include the following components:

Optional Inclusions

Consider adding these if applicable to your situation:

• Debt Dispute Statement: Include if you dispute the alleged debt or believe it is erroneous
• Harassment Documentation: Attach a log of specific harassment instances
• Communication Preference: Specify if you will only accept communication through a legal representative
• Medical/Hardship Declaration: Include if medical conditions or extreme hardship make the contact particularly distressing

Accompanying Documents

Attach copies (never originals) of:

• Communication log detailing all previous contacts
• Evidence of harassment (screenshots, call logs, threatening messages)
• Any previous correspondence with the lender

Sending the Letter

Send the letter via registered mail or courier with delivery confirmation to maintain proof of service. Keep a copy for your records.

Legal Note: A cease and desist letter is not a court order—it is a formal demand. If the loan app violates it, you must escalate to the FCCPC or court for enforcement.