The Inspector-General of Police (IGP),Usman Alkali Baba, has directed that all impounded, accidented, and unregistered exhibit vehicles be removed from Police Stations across the country immediately.
According to a statement signed by the Force Acting Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the order is based on the embarrassing and unprofessional manner in which these vehicles are stacked within police facilities, causing a nuisance and disgusting sight at Police Stations.
The IGP, frowned on the practice of stockpiling vehicles recovered from crime scenes or vehicles whose ownership is being contested or in doubt, in police premises with stringent requirements and cumbersome processes for the rightful owners to reclaim them; emphasizing that such an act would no longer be tolerated as it is a gross abuse of administrative and judicial processes.
He went on to say that the heads of police stations and formations should follow the proper procedures to do the necessary evaluations and release such vehicles in these categories to their owners on bond.
The decision, according to the IGP, is part of his administration’s efforts to provide a safe working environment for its employees so that they may implement the necessary measures to combat crime and criminality in the country.
He maintained, however, that decongesting Police Stations and facilities around the country would provide the Force with a significant operational advantage in successfully discharging its policing responsibilities and providing assistance to the owners of such show cars.
As a result, all concerned members of the public have been advised to approach various Police stations/formations for the recovery and claims of their vehicles, accompanied by valid proof of ownership and proper identification.
