IGP Suspends e-CMR Enforcement, Warns Officers Against Harassing Vehicle Owners

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of the electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) registration for vehicle owners across the country.

The announcement, made by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi on Sunday, comes after an outcry from Nigerians who accused the police of creating an opportunity for extortion.

Adejobi revealed that the enforcement, initially scheduled to begin on July 29, had been put on hold to allow for better public sensitization about the initiative, which aims to secure vehicles by providing a real-time database to curb vehicular crimes.

In his statement, Adejobi explained, “Following the reconfiguration and commencement of the electronic central motor registry registration process, the Police have deemed it necessary to highlight the benefits and effectiveness of the e-CMR initiative, which is designed to ensure the safety and security of all types of vehicles including motorcycles by collating data inputted into the system by vehicle owners and acting on such to flag the vehicles if reported stolen.”

The e-CMR, he noted, will provide comprehensive data access for dedicated officers, prevent multiple vehicle registrations, and enhance the national database for general security.

Adejobi also addressed misconceptions about the initiative, stating, “Contrary to news making the rounds and insinuations about the e-CMR, the NPF wishes to state categorically that the e-CMR is not a revenue-generating platform but an initiative to digitalize policing for the effectiveness and general safety of lives and property of Nigerian residents.”

The Inspector General has ordered the immediate suspension of the enforcement directive to allow for mass enlightenment and education of citizens on the e-CMR process and its benefits. He urged citizens to support the initiative and warned police officers against requesting e-CMR certificates from vehicle owners, stating that anyone caught doing so would face sanctions.

This decision follows criticism from the public and legal experts, including John Aikpokpo-Martins, chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, who described the initial directive as a blatant disregard for the rule of law.

Adejobi concluded, “We seek the understanding and support of all well-meaning Nigerians and residents to key into the e-CMR system. Police officers are to desist from requesting e-CMR certificates, and individuals found extorting or exploiting members of the public under the guise of not having e-CMR certificates will be sanctioned accordingly.”

The suspension is in effect until further notice, as efforts continue to educate the public on the e-CMR system and its role in enhancing vehicle security.