By Niyi Jacobs
Motorists in Akwa Ibom have decried the enforcement of the Third Party Vehicle Insurance scheme by the state police command, which led to the impoundment of several vehicles on Saturday.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, personally led senior officers to strategic locations in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene to ensure compliance with the directive from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, mandating all motorists to present valid third-party insurance certificates starting February 1, 2025.
While Azare expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance, he confirmed that some vehicles were seized after their owners failed to present the necessary documents. He warned that those who fail to provide valid insurance within the given timeframe would face prosecution.
Among the affected motorists was a local government deputy chairman and other prominent individuals. Some motorists, however, expressed frustration, claiming they were unaware that enforcement would begin on Saturday.
One of the offenders, Kingsley Wilson, said, “I didn’t know the police would check papers today. The car belongs to my friend, and I mistakenly brought the wrong documents.”
Despite the complaints, the police insisted that ignorance of the law was not an excuse and urged all vehicle owners to regularize their papers to avoid further sanctions.
