The Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the cessation of the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.
NBA-SPIDEL questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates, asserting that no law grants the police the authority to issue such licenses or certificates to vehicle owners after their vehicles have been registered at the appropriate offices.
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In a letter co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun, the association called for an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS Certificates. It urged the Inspector General of Police to issue a nationwide directive stopping the practice, shut down the registration website and physical registration centers, and refund those who had already paid for the certificates.
“Any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is outright illegal, null, and void, and therefore of no consequence,” the letter stated. It emphasized that the police’s duty to protect citizens and enforce the law does not extend to collecting money or issuing certificates to vehicle owners. The association condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ ignorance, which results in extortion during road searches.
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The letter warned, “Failure, neglect, or refusal to comply with this lawful demand within seven days of receipt of this letter will compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against your esteemed office and the Nigeria Police Force.”
Police to Begin Enforcement of Digital Motor Registry
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) by July 29, 2024. This move aims to modernize and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, thereby enhancing the nation’s safety and security framework.
The e-CMR is an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data designed to support police investigations, operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The transition to a digitalized system is expected to streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi stated that following the IGP’s directives, the e-CMR system will make services such as changes of ownership, license number, engine, and chassis/body seamless. This system will ensure the validation of vehicle genuineness and ownership, aiding in the tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles, and preventing the sale of stolen vehicles to innocent buyers.
“As part of the efforts of the IG to enhance the security of lives and property, the Nigeria Police Force is set to commence the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) within the next 14 days, specifically on July 29, 2024,” the statement read. “This will rejuvenate and digitalize the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering our nation’s safety and security framework.”
The statement emphasized that the e-CMR system would ensure the seamless validation of vehicle ownership, enhance the ability to track and recover stolen vehicles effectively, and prevent the purchase of stolen vehicles by unsuspecting buyers.