NBA, Police Bicker Over CMRIS Certificate 

The Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) 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 (CMIS) 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 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.

The association also called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres, 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.

The letter 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 emphasised that the police’s duty to protect citizens and enforce the law does not extend to collecting money or issuing certificates to vehicle owners.

NBA-SPIDEL 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 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.

Reacting to the NBA-SPIDEL’s threat, the Nigerian Police Force said no agency can take the police up on the initiative.

The Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on X.com yesterday.

The statement revealed that the police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it is applicable in other climes.

The statement further revealed that the Police have been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not a new strategy or document.

The statement reads “This is unfounded, fake, and misleading. The NBA as a body will react to this. Stop spreading fake news. Who are those who made the statement or declaration, and in what capacity?

“I challenge you to share the press statement with me, then we can talk.

“Do your investigation on this. The Police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it’s applicable in other climes.

“The police have been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not even a new strategy or document.

“No agency can take the police up on this initiative. They will rather key into it, harmonise the system for the good of the country, and its citizenry.”