Hon Babalola, PhD, Moves Motion to Curb Concealed Number Plates, Strengthen Security in Oyo
Oyo lawmaker seeks stricter enforcement, expanded CCTV coverage and advanced surveillance technology to combat criminality
Ibadan, Oyo State — November 4, 2026
The member representing Ibadan North-East Constituency 01 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, PhD, popularly known as “Mr Integrity,” has moved a motion calling for stronger measures against the concealment, alteration and unlawful removal of vehicle registration number plates to improve security across Oyo State.
The motion, titled “Motion on the Dangers of Covering Vehicle Registration Number Plates and Its Role in Facilitating Criminality,” was presented before the House on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Babalola raised concerns that the practice was creating security loopholes, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to identify vehicles linked to criminal activities, traffic offences and emergencies.
The lawmaker noted that criminals could exploit concealed or multiple registration plates to evade identification and frustrate security investigations. He cited reported cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and 'one-chance' operations in Nigeria, including a 2024 report involving a suspected Abuja robber who allegedly used four different number plates to evade arrest. He further explained that obstructed registration numbers undermine the effectiveness of CCTV cameras and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology used for crime detection and suspect tracking.
Among the recommendations contained in the motion was a call on the Oyo State Government to expand CCTV coverage, ANPR technology and other intelligent surveillance systems across major highways, urban centres and strategic locations. It also urged the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, and other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of existing laws against concealed, altered or unlawfully removed number plates, with offenders subjected to appropriate legal sanctions.
The motion further recommended intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations targeting vehicles with suspicious or obstructed registration numbers. It also called on the Ministry of Information and Orientation to collaborate with relevant agencies on sustained public enlightenment campaigns to educate residents about the security implications and legal consequences of tampering with vehicle number plates.
The motion was co-sponsored by Rt. Hon. E.A. Ogundoyin (Ibarapa East), Hon. R.A. Mabaje (Ido), Hon. D. Olalere (Ibadan North-West), Hon. A.M. Fadeyi (Ona-Ara) and Hon. S.A. Onaolapo (Ogbomosho South), alongside Babalola. The legislative intervention highlights the role of the Assembly in addressing emerging security concerns and proposing measures to strengthen crime prevention, protect lives and property, and improve public safety across Oyo State.