diff --git a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
index 100a72f..bb786b7 100644
--- a/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
+++ b/slixmpp_omemo/__init__.py
@@ -204,9 +204,8 @@ class XEP_0384(BasePlugin):
             raise PluginCouldNotLoad
 
         if not self.data_dir:
-            log.info("xep_0384 cannot be loaded as there is not data directory "
-                     "specified")
-            return None
+            raise PluginCouldNotLoad("xep_0384 cannot be loaded as there is "
+                                     "no data directory specified.")
 
         storage = self.storage_backend
         if self.storage_backend is None: