The police command in Kogi State on Tuesday banned use of vehicles with covered number plates including unregistered vehicles/motorcycles in the state.

Bethrand Onuoha, the state Commissioner of Police in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Williams Ovye-Aya, threatened to arrest and prosecute any motorists found breaking the law.

The CP stated that the ban became necessary following intelligence reports that criminals hide under the guise of covered number planers and unregistered vehicles/motorcycles to perpetrate crime and constitute a security threat in the state.

He said, “This act has led to an increase in criminal activities, engendered an atmosphere of lawlessness, and concealed perpetrators of crime. It has become an obstacle in checkmating crime and criminality in the state by the law enforcement agents. Therefore, owners of such vehicles with covered number plates are hereby advised to remove them, while those without registration numbers should register or have their vehicles impounded by the law enforcement agents.

“This is because it’s illegal for vehicle owners and drivers to cover their number plates or drive without a registration number.”

Mr Onuoha urged the general public to comply with the order before the police start to impound erring vehicles and prosecute offenders.

The commissioner advised members of the public to register their vehicles, remove covered number plates, and replace the defaced ones, among others.

(NAN)