Police Smash Fake Vehicle Number Plate Syndicate

The police in Ikotun division, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, have arrested a 53-year old man, Philip Rotimi for allegedly printing new vehicle plate numbers and selling it to unsuspecting vehicle owners.

Rotimi allegedly confessed to the police that he has sold plates with forged vehicle documents to many unsuspecting vehicle owners.

He was operating with an accomplice called Akeem now at large.

The suspect claimed to be a tout at Mushin Local Government and refused to disclose his other accomplices and where he produced the number plates.

P.M.NEWS gathered that the registration number they usually print on the number plates are usually the ones that have not been allocated to vehicle owners, which leads to suspicion that the group used to conspire with some insiders at the motor licensing office who gave them out information on numbers which have not been allocated.

He has been charged to Ejigbo Magistrate’s court for forgery.

The Osun state-born Rotimi was arrested after he obtained N11, 000 from Kizito Obizikwo and issued him with a fake plate with registration number AGL 130 QA. Apart from forging the number, he was also alleged to have forged other vehicle particulars such as Lagos State treasurer receipts and allocation registration documents.

Rotimi reportedly confessed that it was Akeem Iyanda that gave him the fake papers and number.

He was docked at an Ejigbo Magistrate’s court in Lagos on a six-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and stealing.

He pleaded not guilty.

The presiding magistrate, Mrs M. B. Folami granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned till 14 May 2012, while he was remanded in prison custody at Kirikiri pending when he will fullfil his bail conditions.

—Cyriacus Izuekwe