Nigerian Police Force Defends Right to Combat Crime with CMRIS Certificate Initiative
In a recent development, the Nigerian Police Force has come under scrutiny over its issuance of CMRIS certificates to vehicle owners in the country. The Nigeria Bar Association Section on Public Interest (NBA-SPIDEL) had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the police to stop the directive, which requires vehicle owners to register and obtain a CMRIS certificate for a fee of at least N6,000.
The police have maintained that they have the right and power to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, just as is applicable in other countries. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this on Sunday in response to the NBA-SPIDEL’s ultimatum.
NBA-SPIDEL questioned the legal basis for the police’s issuance of the CMRIS Certificates, pointing out that no law has granted the police the authority to issue such licenses or certificates to vehicle owners following vehicle registration at the appropriate offices. The organization made the call in a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, co-signed by Chairman John Aikpokpo-Martins and Secretary Funmi Adeogun.
In his reaction, Adejobi faulted the report, describing it as "unfounded, fake, and misleading." He also challenged the NBA-SPIDEL to share the press statement with him and asked the organization to do their own investigation on the matter. The police, he emphasized, have been issuing CMR for decades, making it a well-established strategy and not a new document.
According to Adejobi, no agency can take the police up on their initiative, as they will rather key into it and harmonize the system for the good of the country and its citizens. The police are committed to finding ways to combat crimes and criminality in Nigeria, and their initiative with CMRIS certificates is just one of many approaches they will use to achieve this goal.
The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining law and order in the country, and they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
