The Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) has given a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to cease the directive requiring vehicle owners to obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate (CMRIS) for a fee of not less than N6,000.
NBA-SPIDEL has 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 has 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.
Additionally, the association has called for the shutdown of the registration website and physical registration centres, with refunds to be made to those who had already paid.
This call was made 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.”
The NBA highlighted that the role of the police in safeguarding the public and upholding the law does not include seizing funds or granting licenses to car owners.
They criticized the abuse of Nigerians’ lack of awareness, leading to demands for money during traffic checks.
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.”
