The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Section on Public Interest has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to stop 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, stating that no law had granted the police the authority to issue such licenses or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices.
It 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.
The association also called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centers, with refunds to be made to those who had already paid.
It made the call 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.”
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.
READ ALSO: Police give vehicle users July 29 deadline for e-CMR registration
They condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ ignorance, resulting in extortion during road searches.
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.”
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun had ordered the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry by July 29, 2024.
This, according to him, is to modernize and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, bolstering 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, and operational activities, and combat vehicle-related crimes, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
The transition to a digitalized system, according to the police, will streamline the documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
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