Motorists and private vehicle owners in Delta State are voicing their concerns over alleged police extortion linked to the new electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR). They describe the actions of certain police officers as exploitative, taking advantage of the situation to demand bribes.
The Nigerian Bar Association’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law recently filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the implementation of the e-CMR for vehicle owners nationwide. Launched in December 2023, the e-CMR was intended to enhance police access to vital information about vehicle owners.
However, on January 29, 2024, NBA-SPIDEL leaders, John Aikpokpo-Martins and Funmi Adeogun, criticized the program’s legality, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the IG to halt its rollout and remove related information from official channels. They stated, “Any certificate issued by the Nigeria Police Force without legal backing is illegal and void. The police’s primary duty is to protect citizens and uphold the law.”
In response to mounting pressure, the police announced a suspension of the initiative but are suspected of quietly reinstating enforcement measures for the e-CMR. Recently, a post on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the benefits of the e-CMR, inviting the public to register online with the claim, “Unlock the future of vehicle security with the Nigeria Police Force’s Electronic Central Motor Registry (E-CMR)!”
Amid these developments, motorists using the East-West Road, particularly near Patani Road, have raised alarms about police officers exploiting the e-CMR for unlawful gains. Many have reported being extorted at checkpoints for failing to produce the e-CMR, which remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
One motorist, who identified himself as Francis, recounted his experience last week at a checkpoint where officers demanded N50,000 because he could not show the e-CMR. He described a notorious checkpoint where extortion occurs daily. “If you don’t have the e-CMR, you must pay N50,000. I even saw another driver who was forced to pay N100,000,” he said. Francis urged the Delta police commissioner and other officials to intervene, highlighting the risks of detention and potential violence when disputing these demands.
Dr. Famous, a medical professional, shared a similar ordeal, stating he was stopped while traveling to Port Harcourt and compelled to pay N30,000 after being asked for the e-CMR, which he did not have. “I was shocked that despite the suspension of the scheme, officers were still using it to extort money. I waited over two hours for my documents after paying,” he lamented, calling on national leaders to address the issue.
Kehinde Prince Taiga, President of the Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), expressed his concern earlier this year over the exploitation linked to the e-CMR. He urged the IGP to extend the registration period to prevent further harassment of motorists, particularly those who are less tech-savvy.
In response to these allegations, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe clarified that while the enforcement of the e-CMR had been suspended, the scheme itself was still in effect. He emphasized that no police personnel are authorized to enforce the e-CMR or use it as a pretext for extortion.
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