Are you thinking of buying a used vehicle in Nigeria? What comes to your mind first is vehicle inspection and closing a deal quickly before someone else does. However, purchasing a Naija-used car without the appropriate checks can land you in serious trouble with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). This guide looks into how to check a stolen car in Nigeria, recommending the top platforms for vehicle ownership verification and tips for a safe purchase.
According to a recent report titled Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey (CESPS) by the National Bureau of Statistics, there were approximately 1.6 million cases of motor vehicle thefts within one year in Nigeria. The country’s North West region, including Kano, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Zamfara, had the highest reports of vehicle theft, estimated at 603,756 between May 2023 and April 2024. Therefore, you must check the history and verify the documents of any vehicle you want to buy, as car thefts are rampant throughout the country.
Buying a second-hand vehicle in Nigeria can lead to financial loss when the actual owner reclaims their property or a time in jail when other crimes occurred during the car theft. If you do not want to fall victim, this article is for you. Ensure you read to the end.
With digital platforms like e-citizen, you can conduct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) checks and get instant reports of any car, motorcycle, truck, or bus before purchase.
Let’s explore further!
Key Takeaways:
- Verifying a stolen car is straightforward.
- The whole process takes a few minutes, and you will receive an instant report.
- It usually costs a fee, which varies depending on the vehicle report provider.
Here’s a list of the best online platforms that allow you to view a vehicle history in Nigeria, alongside cases of theft:
- Through e-citizen
- Through NPF CMRIS
1. Checking a stolen car via e-citizen
e-citizen allows you to identify a stolen car in Nigeria, providing a digital platform that facilitates VIN checks, containing information about the vehicle’s ownership history, and more. This service comes at a small fee and is more ideal for buyers of tokunbo (foreign-used) vehicles that have not been used in Nigeria.
You can access e-citizen’s identity verification services via their official website or mobile app. If you want to identify whether there is any case or report on any Nigerian-used vehicle, you’ll need to provide its registration number to aid the process.
Here’s how to use e-citizen to conduct a VIN lookup and/or number plate verification for a vehicle in Nigeria:
- Visit the e-citizen.ng website to start right away or download their mobile app from your official app store.
- Sign up or log in to your account.
- Follow the prompts to use their VIN lookup service.
2. Checking a stolen vehicle through NPC CMRIS
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has a Central Motor Registry Information System (CMRIS), an online application that facilitates the investigation of motor vehicle thefts for residents. Through the CMR platform, you can verify stolen vehicles and their documentation.
NPF CMR provides access to vehicle information, although you need to create an account on the website. Feel free to try it out as well.
What to do if you discover a stolen vehicle
If you find out that the vehicle you are trying to purchase seems stolen, here’s everything you need to do:
- Stop completing the given forms and don’t sign any purchase agreement.
- Leave the dealership or car seller’s premises without suspicion.
- Report the vehicle dealership or seller to the nearest police station.
- Do not purchase the vehicle. Instead, check out other dealerships for legitimate deals. Also, bear in mind that the car might be tagged at a cheap price to attract buyers quickly.
- Seek legal advice if you have a lawyer.
Conclusion
It is important to check a vehicle’s theft report, even if the dealership or seller is someone you trust pretty well. To check a stolen car’s status online, you need an internet-enabled smartphone or PC, the vehicle’s VIN or chassis number, and the exact fee charged by the platform. You can conduct the check anytime, provided you have them at your disposal.
