Car theft is very common in Nigeria, which is a problem for used car buyers. Recently, a real-life example showed just how important it is to check a vehicle’s history carefully. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bayelsa found a stolen Honda EOD while it was being registered for a new plate number. The car had been bought as a “tokunbo” (used car) from Lagos and then taken to Bayelsa for registration. While checking, the FRSC’s system showed that the car had already been registered before. They contacted the original owner, who confirmed that her car had been stolen at gunpoint on September 9th. The new owner had bought the vehicle on September 19th. To cut the story short, the new owner was arrested, and the vehicle was repossessed. This is why it’s a MUST for you to know how to check if a car is stolen in Nigeria.
In this guide, we’ll explain simple, practical steps to check if a car is stolen and what actions to take if you find out that a vehicle is stolen.
How to Check if a Car is Stolen in Nigeria
1. Verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier assigned to every car. You have to verify the VIN to trace the vehicle’s history. The VIN is typically located on the dashboard visible through the windshield, on the driver’s side door frame, and on the engine block. Make sure that the VIN in these locations matches and has not been tampered with.
To verify the VIN, visit a local police station or the nearest police headquarters. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) maintains a database of stolen vehicles, and by providing the VIN, you can request a check to know if the car is listed as stolen.
Some online services such as AutoCheck and mobile applications offer VIN verification. For instance, the FRSC website provides a vehicle registration and verification system accessible online. Third-party platforms like Carfax or Autotrader also offer detailed reports that can include information on whether the car is reported stolen.
2. Check the Car’s Registration and Ownership Documents
Vehicle registration is managed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant bodies. Request the registration document from the seller and verify its authenticity by cross-checking it with the FRSC. You can do this online via the FRSC website or by visiting their office. Look for authenticity markers such as watermarks and official seals on the document to confirm it is genuine. Before making the payment, copy the chassis number and go to the nearest FRSC office to confirm online if the vehicle was once registered in Nigeria. You should receive a confirmation immediately. It is that simple.
Don’t forget to request a written document confirming the verification from the FRSC office. It will cost you some money, but it is still better than getting involved in a police case after purchasing a stolen vehicle.
Also, examine the documents carefully for any inconsistencies, including mismatches in the registration number or vehicle information. Cross-check the details on the registration document with the VIN and the car’s physical features. You can also request other documents from the seller, such as proof of previous ownership, sales receipts, or service history records. These documents help to confirm the vehicle’s history and validate its legitimacy.
For Tokunbo cars, check custom papers (if it does not have genuine custom papers, do not buy), get a receipt of purchase from the seller, and make payments via bank transfer.
3. The Price is Too Cheap to be True
One common red flag to watch for is an unusually low price. If a vehicle is priced lower than its market value, it could be stolen. For instance, if someone offers a 2009 Toyota Camry for 900,000 naira, compared to its market value. Sellers who are in a hurry to close a deal or who plead for a quick sale at an unusually cheap price may be attempting to offload a stolen vehicle. An example of this is a case in Akure where a person took out a bank loan to buy a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder for 800,000 naira, a vehicle worth about 1.5 million naira.
4. Engage with the Nigeria Customs Service
For imported vehicles, make sure they have been properly cleared through customs. Vehicles that are unregistered or improperly cleared may be stolen or involved in illegal activities. Request proof of customs clearance from the seller and verify these documents with the Nigeria Customs Service. You can visit their office or check their online portal. Just make sure that any customs duties have been paid by requesting a receipt or proof of payment and confirming with the Customs Service that there are no outstanding liabilities or legal issues.
5. Consult with Licensed Car Dealers
Licensed car dealers are regulated and must follow strict guidelines to ensure they sell legitimate vehicles. They often have access to resources and databases for verifying car authenticity. When buying from a licensed dealer, you benefit from their thorough checks on the vehicle’s history and their use of specialized tools and databases to verify VINs and registration details. Reputable dealers may also provide warranties or guarantees of authenticity, which offer additional reassurance of the vehicle’s legitimacy.
What to Do If You Find a Stolen Car in Nigeria
If you find out that a vehicle is stolen, you can report it to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Fortunately, the NPF now has a Central Motor Registry (CMR). Since the NPF is responsible for protecting citizens’ properties, it had to establish this service for reporting stolen vehicles. You can make your report either by visiting a local police station or by using the online reporting system. But for convenience, the online registry is better.
To report a stolen vehicle online, do the following:
- Visit the NPF’s official reporting site at https://reportcmr.npf.gov.ng/stolen
- You will then need to create a personal or organisation profile
- Choose your identification type, such as the National Identification Number (NIN)
- Enter your ID number, then click Verify
- Select your current state and Local Government Area (LGA) of residence
- Provide all required information about the stolen vehicle and submit the report
That’s all. You don’t have to tell the seller that you know about the vehicle’s theft status. But if you think that the seller is an honest person, you might want to let them know that the car is stolen. Please note that a police report does not guarantee that a car is not stolen. It does not also absolve you from being in possession of a stolen vehicle, which in this case is the stolen car.
Read Also: How to Register a Tokunbo Car in Nigeria