Why is my account restricted or blocked?

If you're seeing a message that your account is restricted, blocked, or has limited access, here's what it usually means and what you can do about it.

The most common reasons are:

• Posting ads for prohibited items (see the prohibited items list);
• Posting multiple duplicate ads after warnings;
• Sending spam, scam links, or other unsolicited content in chat;
• Confirmed scam activity — taking money for goods you didn't deliver, sending fake payment / delivery confirmations, advertising products you don't actually own, or any other attempt to defraud buyers;
• Repeated rule violations after previous warnings — each penalty makes the next restriction stricter, and after a certain point an account is blocked permanently;
• Failed identity verification — for example, you didn't pass KYC verification when required, or the phone/email on your account no longer works and we couldn't confirm it's still you.

Can a blocked account be unblocked?

Often, yes. There are two paths, depending on the type of block.

1. Self-service unblock via biometric verification (fastest)

If you're a blocked user and this option is available for your account, you can request an automatic unblock by passing a biometric KYC check:

1. Sign in to your Jiji account — if you see a "Verify your identity to restore access" banner or option, that's the right flow;
2. Take a clear selfie and submit a valid ID document through the in-app verification flow (Jiji uses Smile ID to verify documents);
3. If the document matches and the selfie passes the biometric check, your account is unblocked automatically, with no manual review needed;
4. If the check fails, you can retry. There's a daily limit of 2 attempts per 24 hours (or 5 attempts if you have an active paid service).

Self-service unblock isn't available in every case (for example, after very serious rule violations) — if you don't see the option, use the support path below.

2. Manual unblock via Support Team

For other blocks, contact our Support Team at support@jiji.ng. They'll let you know whether you're eligible for unblock, and what's needed. In serious cases (especially those tied to fraud or scam reports), you may be asked to send:

• A clear copy of your ID card or passport;
• If you sell cars — proof of vehicle ownership documents;
• If you post job vacancies — a company registration certificate or employment agency license;
• A short note explaining the situation and what you'll do differently.

Our team will review your case and respond. There's no guarantee of an unblock — it depends on the case and what you submit.

Important: creating a new account to bypass a restriction is itself a rule violation. If we detect duplicate accounts from the same person, both accounts can be blocked. The right way forward is to resolve the issue on your original account by contacting our Support Team.