The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has refuted the report that the Nigerian Bar Association has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to rescind the Central Motor Information System Certificate issuance to motorists.

He stated that no agency is able to accept the police’s initiative.

The aforementioned information was made public in a declaration posted on X.com on Sunday.

The statement indicated that law enforcement agencies possess the authority and capabilities to implement proactive measures aimed at curbing criminal activities and ensuring public safety in Nigeria, consistent with international practices.

The police have been issuing CMRs for many years, indicating that it is not a novel strategy or document, the statement further revealed.

The statement reads “This is unfounded, fake, and misleading. The NBA as a body will react to this. Stop spreading fake news. Who are those who made the statement or declaration, and in what capacity?

“I challenge you to share the press statement with me, then we can talk.

“Do your investigation on this. The police have the right and powers to initiate any approach to curb crimes and criminality in Nigeria, as it’s applicable in other climes.

“The police have been issuing CMR for decades, so it’s not even a new strategy or document.

“No agency can take the police up on this initiative. They will rather key into it, harmonise the system for the good of the country, and its citizenry.”

The NBA Section on Public Interest had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to Egbetokun to cease the directive requiring vehicle owners to register and obtain a CMRIS certificate for a fee of not less than N6,000.

NBA-SPIDEL raised concerns regarding the legal basis for the Nigeria Police Force’s issuance of CMRIS Certificates. They emphasized that no existing legislation explicitly grants the police the authority to issue such licenses or certificates to vehicle owners after vehicle registration at the designated offices.

In a formal letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the NBA-SPIDEL, represented by its Chairman, John Aikpokpo-Martins, and Secretary, Funmi Adeogun, made an official request.

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.”