National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olumide Olusegun
The Nigeria Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the cessation of directives mandating vehicle owners to obtain Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificates for a fee starting at N6,000.
NBA-SPIDEL has questioned the legality of the Nigeria Police Force’s authority to issue CMRIS Certificates, asserting that no legislation grants them the right to do so after vehicles are registered at official offices.
The association has demanded an immediate halt to CMRIS Certificate issuance and enforcement, urging the Inspector General of Police to issue a nationwide directive to cease the practice.
Additionally, they called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical centers, with refunds for those who have already paid.
This call was made via a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun.
The letter states, ‘Any CMRIS Certificate issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal basis is unlawful, null, and void.’
It emphasized that the police’s role in protecting citizens and enforcing the law does not extend to collecting fees or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.
The association condemned the exploitation of Nigerian citizens through ignorance, resulting in extortion during road searches.
The letter warned, ‘Failure to comply with this demand within seven days will lead NBA-SPIDEL to pursue appropriate legal action against your office and the Nigeria Police Force.’
Police to Begin Enforcement
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the implementation of the digital Central Motor Registry by July 29, 2024.
According to him, this move aims to modernize and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, enhancing the nation’s safety and security framework.
The e-CMR is an advanced online repository of motor vehicle data designed to support police investigations and operations, combating vehicle-related crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
The transition to a digital system will streamline documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
In a statement, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi highlighted that the e-CMR system will facilitate seamless services like change of ownership, license number, engine, and chassis/body, ensuring vehicle authenticity, aiding in stolen vehicle tracking and recovery, and preventing the sale of stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.
The statement mentioned, ‘As part of efforts to enhance security, the Nigeria Police Force will begin enforcing the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) starting July 29, 2024, rejuvenating and modernizing the motor vehicle registration system to bolster our nation’s safety and security.'”
