NBA Takes Legal Action Against Police, IGP Egbetokun Over Vehicle Certificate Fee

NBA Takes Legal Action Against Police, IGP Egbetokun Over Vehicle Certificate Fee

IGP Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Illegal Charges for Central Motor Registry Information System Certificate, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Public Interest and Development Law has initiated legal action against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the implementation of the Central Motor Information System (CMRIS) for vehicle owners nationwide.

Key Points:

Legal Challenge: NBA-SPIDEL has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the fees associated with obtaining the Central Motor Registry Information System Certificate from the Nigeria Police Force. They argue that the N6,000 charge imposed by the police is unlawful.
Ultimatum Ignored: Following concerns raised by NBA-SPIDEL, including a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Inspector General to cease the issuance of the certificate, no action was taken. Consequently, the NBA-SPIDEL chair and secretary escalated the matter by filing a formal application to halt the issuance of the certificate.
Legal Basis Questioned: The plaintiffs contend that the Nigeria Police Force lacks the legal authority to establish a motor registry or issue certificates of identification to Nigerian citizens. They assert that the police, not being a revenue-generating agency of the federal government, cannot set and collect fees for issuing such certificates.
Alleged Illegality: The lawsuit challenges the legitimacy of the fees imposed by the police for the CMRIS certificate, highlighting concerns about the lack of statutory backing for such charges.
Legal Battle Unfolds: As the legal battle ensues, the NBA’s legal action underscores its commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens against what it deems unlawful charges imposed by law enforcement agencies.