In a recent announcement, the Nigerian police have unequivocally stated that covering vehicle number plates is considered a criminal act. Assistant Commissioner of Police and Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this declaration via his X handle (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that the practice of obscuring number plates will no longer be tolerated.
Adejobi highlighted the prevalence of vehicle owners covering their number plates without any justifiable reason, branding it not only wrong but criminal. He stressed the importance of making registered numbers visible at all times, as it is compulsory for all vehicles to be duly registered.
“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,” Adejobi asserted.
He called upon police operatives and traffic management personnel across the country to actively pursue and penalize those who violate this directive, characterizing it as an act that encourages recklessness and crimes committed with impunity.
While exceptions were noted for “pennant officers” and heads of the executive, legislative, and judiciary arms of government who use pennants or flags on their official cars, Adejobi clarified that the pennants must be lowered after 6 p.m. Additionally, he stressed that official vehicles’ number plates should be uncovered during this time.
“Once it is 6 p.m., the pennant must go down, and the official vehicles’ number plates should be uncovered,” he specified.
Adejobi also underlined the requirement for flags on officials’ vehicles to be covered with their registered number or seal of office when they are not inside the vehicle. This exemption, he stated, is contingent on the use of the official vehicle for official duties.
Source: Premium Times