A few hours after the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, approved the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) for all vehicles in Nigeria, with effect from July 29, 2024, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum for its stoppage.
The NBA described the CMR as illegal, warning that faiilure by the police to stop the implementation and enforcement would leave it with no other option than to seek legal redress in court.
In a letter to IGP Eegbetoken by NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, the group called for the discontinuation of the plan as there are no laws backing it.
According to NBA, “any such certificate being issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is outright illegal, null, and void, and therefore of no consequence.
“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 Egbetokun had on Saturday ordered the enforcement of the digitalised Central Motor Registry from July 29.
According to the police, the digitisalised motor vehicle registration system would help police investigations and tackle vehicle-related crimes, kidnapping, terrorism, banditry and armed robbery.
The police, through a statement by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the e-CMR system would help in tracking and recovery of stolen vehicles, and prevent the sale of stolen vehicles.
The statement said the system will make change of vehicle ownership, licence number, engine, and chassis/body seamless.
The statement said: “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.”
