The Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) has given a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to cease the directive requiring vehicle owners to obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate (CMRIS) for a fee of not less than N6,000.
NBA-SPIDEL has questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates, stating that no law had granted the police the authority to issue such licences or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.
It has demanded an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of the CMRIS Certificates, urging the Inspector General of Police to issue a directive stopping the practice nationwide.
Additionally, the association has called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres, with refunds to be made to those who had already paid.
This call was made in a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, and co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins; and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun.
It stated, “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 NBA highlighted that the role of the police in safeguarding the public and upholding the law does not include seizing funds or granting licenses to car owners.
They criticized the abuse of Nigerians’ lack of awareness, leading to demands for money during traffic checks.
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.”
IGP’s Order On CMRIS
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated the implementation of the digitalized Central Motor Registry by July 29, 2024.
This initiative aims to modernize and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, enhancing the nation’s safety and security framework.
The e-CMR is a cutting-edge, real-time online database of motor vehicle information designed to assist police investigations and operational activities and combat vehicle-related crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
The police stated that shifting to a digitalized system will simplify vehicle ownership documentation and verification processes and related transactions.
Following the IGP’s directives, the e-CMR system will facilitate services like change of ownership, license number, engine, and chassis/body seamlessly, ensuring vehicle authenticity, tracking and recovering stolen vehicles, and preventing the sale of stolen vehicles to innocent buyers.
The statement reads: “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 the July 29, 2024, to rejuvenate and digitalize the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering our nation’s safety and security framework.
“Following the directives of the IGP, services such as change of ownership, change of license number, change of engine, and change of chassis/body would become seamless as the e-CMR system would ensure the validation of vehicle genuineness and ownership, enhancing the ability to track and recover stolen vehicles effectively, and preventing the purchase of stolen vehicles by innocent buyers.”
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