Lagos– The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) has given the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, a seven-day ultimatum to cease the issuance of the Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) Certificates. This directive requires vehicle owners to register and obtain the certificate for a fee of at least N6,000.
In a formal letter addressed to the IGP, NBA-SPIDEL questioned the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates. The association argued that no law grants the police authority to issue such licenses or certificates to vehicle owners post-registration at the designated offices.
The letter, co-signed by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun, called for an immediate halt to the issuance and enforcement of CMRIS Certificates. They urged the Inspector General to stop the practice nationwide and shut down both the registration website and physical registration centers. Additionally, they demanded refunds for 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 NBA-SPIDEL stated. The association emphasized that the police’s role is to protect citizens and enforce the law, not to collect money or issue certificates to vehicle owners. They condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ ignorance, which has led to extortion during road searches.
The letter also warned that failure to comply with the demand within seven days would compel NBA-SPIDEL to seek appropriate sanctions in court against the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force.
Police Set to Enforce Digital Motor Registry
Despite the NBA-SPIDEL’s ultimatum, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the enforcement of the digitalized Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) starting July 29, 2024. This move is part of an effort to modernize and digitize the motor vehicle registration system, thereby enhancing the nation’s safety and security framework.
The e-CMR is described as an advanced, real-time online repository of motor vehicle data designed to support police investigations and combat vehicle-related crimes such as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery. According to a statement by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the transition to a digital system will streamline documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
The statement highlighted that the e-CMR system would facilitate services like change of ownership, license number, engine, and chassis/body modifications. It aims to ensure the genuineness of vehicles, aid in the tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles, and prevent the sale of stolen vehicles to unsuspecting 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, to rejuvenate and digitalize the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering our nation’s safety and security framework,” the statement read.
The impending clash between the NBA-SPIDEL’s demands and the police’s plans highlights a significant legal and administrative conflict that could impact vehicle owners across Nigeria.
