The Vehicle Inspection Office in Ogun State says at least 120 drivers have been apprehended by its Abeokuta unit for driving with fake driving licences in the last three months.

The Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer of Ibara, Abeokuta Unit, Kehinde Moliki, said this while briefing journalists about the activities of the VIO in the city.

He explained that fake driving licences included those obtained by proxy or without the physical presence of the owners at the VIO office.

He said, “Any driver caught with such fake licence will be prosecuted or made to pay a fine of N5,000.

“Many of the drivers do operate with fake driving licences. These fake licences are issued by proxy or failure of the drivers to present themselves physically at the VIO office. Such driving licences so issued are deemed fake.

“In the last three months, about 120 errant drivers have been caught in Abeokuta for using fake driving licences,” he said.

The VIO commander, therefore, warned drivers still operating with fake licences in the state to desist from such unlawful act or face prosecution, adding, “Various strategies have been put in place to ensure that defaulters do not go scot-free.”

Moliki urged members of the public to volunteer information that would lead to the arrest of members of the syndicate issuing fake driving licences.

He also said contrary to the erroneous belief among commercial motorcycle riders, the VIO was empowered by law to inspect both motorcycles and tricycles.

He said, “The VIO’s role is not limited to only vehicles inspection. The VIO is empowered by law to inspect both motorcycles and tricycles. We are imploring the operators to come and obtain their roadworthiness certificates.”