FCT Police order arrest of plate number violators

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has ordered the arrest and immediate prosecution of motorists operating vehicles without valid licence plates or with concealed, defaced or deliberately faded plate numbers in the FCT.

The command also warned motorists against using tinted glasses without valid permits, as well as fake diplomatic number plates or diplomatic plates by unauthorised persons.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, issued the directive on Sunday following what the command described as a proliferation of vehicles being operated with concealed or otherwise irregular identification plates.

The command said such vehicles, particularly some SUVs, had been observed to be used by criminal elements to evade detection, identification and arrest during or after the commission of offences.

The FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the directive was aimed at strengthening security and ensuring effective identification and tracking of vehicles within the territory.

“The Federal Capital Territory is a peculiar environment where the use of such vehicles poses significant security concerns, as it may hinder effective identification and tracking by law enforcement agencies,” Adeh said in a statement.

She said the CP had directed that motorists found operating vehicles in violation of the law should be arrested and prosecuted immediately in accordance with extant laws.

Sanusi also directed police officers across the FCT to intensify enforcement and ensure strict compliance with laws governing vehicle identification and the use of tinted glasses.

However, officers were directed to conduct the enforcement professionally and not use the exercise as an avenue for extortion.

“The Commissioner of Police therefore warns that motorists found operating such vehicles in violation of the law will be arrested, and prosecuted immediately in accordance with the law,” Adeh said.

She urged residents to support police operations, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.

The command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious vehicles or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency numbers: 08032003913 and 08028940883.