IGP outlaws use of concealed vehicle number plates

Mohammed Adamu, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), has outlawed the use of concealed vehicle number plates by unauthorised persons in the country.

In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by Frank Mba, the force spokesperson, quoted the IGP as saying concealing number plates is a clear breach of the road traffic act.

He maintained that the order which is with immediate effect is to forestall the use of those vehicles to commit electoral offences.

The IGP said the act could impact negatively on national security and safety, adding that all defaulters will be dealt with according to the law.

“The IGP gave this order on Tuesday, 5th March, 2019, following intelligence report that the unwholesome practice may be deployed by some unscrupulous persons to aid the commission of electoral related offences before, during and after the Saturday, 9th March, 2019 Gubernatorial/House of Assembly elections,” the statement read.

“Apart from the above immediate possible threats to the polls, the IGP also noted that the covering of Vehicle Number Plate amounts to a clear breach of the Road Traffic Act and other relevant laws of the land.

“In addition, the act could also impact negatively on national security and safety and has the capacity to; heighten criminal activities, engender atmosphere of lawlessness, shield perpetrators of crime and place unnecessary pressure on security agencies in their routine crime prevention and monitoring tasks.”