The police described e-CMR as 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 Nigerian Bar Association's Section on Public Interest has issued a stern ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, demanding the immediate reversal of a controversial directive regarding vehicle registration.
The directive mandates vehicle owners across the country to register and obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate at a cost not less than N6,000.
NBA-SPIDEL Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun of the NBA Section on Public Interest issued the call in a letter directed to the Inspector General of Police.
The association 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 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.
They also called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres, with refunds to be made to those who had already paid.
“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 said.
The association explained that the police’s duty to protect citizens and enforce the law does not extend to collecting money or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.
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.”
SaharaReporters reported on Saturday that the police would commence the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) starting July 29, 2024, to combat crimes associated with vehicles, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery.
The police in a release on Saturday noted that the system would digitise the motor vehicle registration system, significantly bolstering the country's safety and security framework.
The police described e-CMR as 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.
This was stated in the release on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed that the transition to a digitalised system would streamline documentation and verification processes for vehicle ownership and related transactions.
The statement read, "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.
"Prior to the enforcement itself, the IGP has ordered full publicity of the e-CMR and its enforcement to all members of the public intimating them of the requirements, processes, and the enforcement procedures. Members of the public are urged to obtain the digitalized CMR certificate online at cmris.npf.gov.ng.
"The Nigeria Police Force, while seeking for the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents on this initiative, remains committed to leveraging technology and strategic approaches to enhance public safety and national security."
Adejobi noted that the enforcement of the e-CMR was necessary to ensure a safer and secure environment for vehicle ownership and decimate the trend of vehicle theft by greatly reducing the possibility of selling stolen vehicles in the country.
"We therefore urge all vehicle owners and users to embrace and key into this initiative promptly for optimum safety and security," he added.