Court Okays Contractor’s Entry into DVLA Number Plate Case

High Court Allows Contractor Behind New DVLA Number Plates to Join Ongoing Suit

January 25, 2026

The High Court has granted an application by Original Manufacturing and Embossment Company Ltd, the firm contracted to implement the new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) number plate system, to be joined as a defendant in a suit challenging the rollout of the new plates.

The company has been added to the case filed by the Vehicle Embossment Association against the DVLA, following an unopposed joinder application.

At the previous sitting, the court had indicated it would rule on an injunction application filed by members of the Vehicle Embossment Association seeking to restrain the DVLA from proceeding with the implementation of the new number plate system.

However, during proceedings on Friday, January 23, lawyers for the plaintiffs informed the court that they had been served with a joinder application by Original Manufacturing and Embossment Company Ltd, with a return date of February 24.

Marcillinus Bia, holding brief for Martin Kpebu, told the court that although the plaintiffs did not oppose the joinder, they requested an abridgement of time to allow the application to be heard promptly.

Counsel for the DVLA, led by Sibiru Edmund Karbiri, also indicated that they had no objection to the application.

The court subsequently granted the request for abridgement of time and directed the applicant to move its motion. After the application was moved and faced no opposition, Justice Isaac Addo granted the request for joinder.

The court further ordered the plaintiffs to amend their writ and serve the amended processes on all defendants. The case has been adjourned to February 6 for further proceedings.