Bauchi police begin mobile court prosecution of motorists with unregistered vehicles, concealed number plates

The Bauchi State Police Command has commenced strict enforcement against unregistered vehicles and motorists using concealed or fictitious number plates, with mobile courts already deployed across the state for the speedy prosecution of offenders.

The command said the initiative followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and is aimed at enhancing road safety and strengthening security across the state.

In a statement issued by the Spokesman of the Command, SP Nafiu Habib, the command disclosed that it had partnered with the state judiciary to establish mobile courts in the five Area Command headquarters and other strategic locations within Bauchi metropolis.

According to the statement, the courts have commenced the trial of motorists operating vehicles without valid registration, those using covered or obscured number plates, as well as vehicles bearing fake or unauthorized registration numbers.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, said unregistered and unidentifiable vehicles pose serious security threats, noting that such vehicles are frequently used in the commission of crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

He explained that the enforcement exercise was designed to safeguard lives and property rather than intimidate law-abiding motorists.

The police commissioner warned that any vehicle found violating the regulations would be impounded, while offenders would be prosecuted before the mobile courts.

He added that penalties would include fines and other sanctions as provided under relevant motor vehicle registration and licensing laws as well as police regulations.

The command urged vehicle owners and drivers to regularise their vehicle documents, ensure proper display of number plates and refrain from covering, altering or defacing registration numbers.

It also called on residents to cooperate with officers carrying out the exercise, adding that the enforcement operation would be sustained without compromise.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security in the state and tackling criminal activities linked to the use of untraceable vehicles.