The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission in the eastern Nigerian state of Anambra, Mr Sunday Ajayi, has threatened syndicates issuing fake drivers’ licenses and number-plates in the state.
Ajayi told newsmen in Obosi near Onitsha on Saturday that any motorist found patronising the hoodlums would also be penalised.
The commander said the commission was collaborating with security agencies to clampdown on black spots noted for the unscrupulous activities.
Ajayi said that henceforth any syndicate or person caught selling fake drivers’ licenses or number-plates would be handed over to law enforcement agencies for criminal prosecution.
“Any motorist caught with a fake driver’s license or number-plates would pay a N10,000 fine or have an option of imprisonment,” he said.
“The offender would be liable to both fine and imprisonment if the person is found to be a repeat offender. The commission is ever ready to deal with this age-long issue in Anambra and with the help of both motorists and security agencies, we will rid the state of these economic saboteurs.
“Our unit offices and licensing offices are located in major towns in the state – Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka — for anyone to go and within some time get his or her genuine and data-captured license,” he said.
Ajayi also said that the number-plates could be obtained through the same offices or through direction from the unit offices in Onitsha, Nnewi, Nteje, Ihiala, Oraifite and Igbo-Ukwu.
There are syndicates that specialise in the sale of ready-made licenses and number-plates in Nnewi, especially to motorcyclists.