The Nigeria Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) has issued a stern warning to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to immediately rescind a controversial directive requiring vehicle owners to obtain a Central Motor Information System Certificate (CMRIS) for a fee.
NBA-SPIDEL argues that the police lack the legal authority to issue such certificates, and their actions are “outright illegal, null, and void.” The association demands an immediate stop to the issuance and enforcement of CMRIS Certificates, and refunds for those who have already paid.
The NBA-SPIDEL chairman and secretary, in a jointly signed letter, emphasized that the police’s role is to protect the public and uphold the law, not to extort funds or issue licenses. They condemned the exploitation of Nigerians’ lack of awareness, leading to demands for money during traffic checks.
The association has given the Inspector General of Police a seven-day ultimatum to comply, warning that failure to do so will result in legal action seeking appropriate sanctions against his office and the Nigeria Police Force.
