In a recent statement, the Nigeria Police Force has declared it a criminal offence for motorists to cover their number plates without a valid reason.
By Lot Sunday
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized the importance of making registration numbers visible at all times. He stated, “It is a common thing to see many vehicle owners and drivers cover their number plates for no reason; this is wrong and even criminal. You don’t cover your number plate for any reason.”
Exceptions were mentioned for “pennant officers” and heads of the three arms of the government who use pennants or flags on their official cars. Adejobi clarified, “The seal of their offices or ranks go with their numbers and pennants. Once it’s 6 pm, the pennant must go down, and their numbers covered, or when they are not in the car while the drivers move their cars.”
He further urged officers and traffic management agencies to go after any violators, as such actions are considered criminal, encouraging recklessness and crimes with impunity.
Adejobi concluded, “Our officers and men are aware of this, and we collectively need to kick against it.”
This declaration comes as a reinforcement of previous bans by the police on the unauthorized use of unmarked vehicles and covered number plates across the country. Motorists are advised to comply with the regulations to ensure road safety and discourage criminal activities.
