The Oyo State House of Assembly has introduced a motion to tackle the growing concern over criminal activities linked to the misuse of covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, political stickers, and dealer number plates in the state.
The motion, which was sponsored by Hon. R.A. Mabaje (Ido), Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Hon. S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomoso South), House Leader Hon. Bamidele Adeola (Iseyin/Itesiwaju), and co-sponsors, was presented during the House’s plenary.
The motion aims to rcurb the use of these elements by criminals, including internet fraudsters and other criminal elements, who exploit them to evade law enforcement and carry out illicit activities.
The motion references the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, amended in 2016, which sets out guidelines for vehicle registration, number plate usage, and road safety. Despite these regulations, the motion highlights the increasing misuse of covered number plates, unregistered vehicles, and dealer plates by criminals involved in offenses such as kidnapping, armed robbery, drug trafficking, and smuggling.
The motion points to specific incidents where individuals using unregistered vehicles and dealer plates were linked to criminal activities. In July 2023, during a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) operation in Ibadan, several individuals were arrested for using unregistered vehicles and dealer plates. In August 2023, a group of armed robbers evaded checkpoints using political stickers but were apprehended after a chase. In another case in September 2023, the Oyo State Police arrested a gang of kidnappers who were using covered plates and unregistered vehicles to transport their victims undetected.
Additionally, the motion addressed the issue of unauthorized use of political stickers and government insignia on vehicles, a growing concern in Oyo State. These elements are often used to bypass police and traffic checks, undermine security operations, and hinder law enforcement efforts. The widespread use of dealer plates by unauthorized individuals further threatens public safety and impacts the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The motion calls for strong condemnation of the illegal use of covered plates, unregistered vehicles, political stickers, and dealer plates, urging the Nigeria Police Force (Oyo State Command), the Federal Road Safety Corps (Oyo State Command), and other security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend offenders.
Moreover, the motion advocates for the swift prosecution of all individuals violating traffic laws through the illegal use of unregistered vehicles, covered plates, dealer number plates, or political stickers, regardless of their social or political standing. It also proposes the deployment of additional surveillance technologies, such as CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems, at key locations across the state, including critical junctions, highways, and urban centers.
“In July 2023, several individuals were arrested during an FRSC operation in Ibadan for using unregistered vehicles and dealer plates. Similarly, in August 2023, a group of armed robbers evaded checkpoints using political stickers but were arrested after a chase. In September 2023, the Oyo State Police Command arrested a gang of kidnappers using covered plates vehicle number and unregistered vehicles to transport victims undetected.
“Many individuals misuse these elements to bypass police and traffic checks, compromise security checkpoints, and obstruct law enforcement. The widespread use of dealer plates by unauthorized persons also threatens public safety and reduces the State’s Internally Generated Revenue,” he cited.
