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Dear Counsel, I just acquired my first car last week. The car, a Mazda 626 was previously owned by the proprietor of the restaurant where I eat regularly.

Although he issued me a receipt of purchase, my colleagues are advising me to ensure that I authenticate the transaction. One of them narrated an ugly experience he had when he bought his car, which was later found to have been sold to him by someone who was not the real owner. That he suffered, spent extra money and almost lost the car

So far nobody has been able to explain to me in detail, what exactly I need to do beyond the receipt I already have. The vehicle particulars are not due for renewal until November this year. Kindly, advice. Y.E., Abuja Dear Y.E., In buying a car, just like in any other transaction involving money, due diligence is required.

I always advice that people buying used cars, already numbered and licensed in Nigeria, to make the effort to conduct a simple search at the Central Motor Registry (CMR) before making any payment. The CMR is where the data of all cars registered in Nigeria can be found.

However, the Road Traffic Act, Cap 548, Laws of the Federation provides in Section 7 (1) and (4), the steps to be taken in effecting change of ownership of a car. It provides that in change of ownership, notice must be given to the Licensing Authority by the new owner in Form D as set out under the regulations.

The old owner would then transfer the licence and all other relevant particulars of the vehicle to the new owner, who will in turn, present them to the licensing authority for his name to be substituted. This attracts a little fee.

I advice that if these steps have not been taken, you must make immediate effort to ensure that this is done.