Police defend tinted glass permit policy, dismiss lawyers’ claims

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, insisting that the regulation is lawful, security-driven, and not in contempt of any court order, amid growing criticism from Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

In a press statement issued on Friday by Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Police said it was compelled to clarify the issues surrounding the policy in the interest of public order, national security, and institutional integrity, following what it described as “material misrepresentations” by the NBA president.

The police leadership, under Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, reaffirmed that the Force operates strictly within the provisions of the Constitution, existing laws, and valid court orders, stressing that it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court.

According to the statement, the regulation of tinted vehicle glass is not arbitrary or discretionary, as suggested in some public commentaries, but is clearly anchored in law.

Read also: Police to resume nationwide enforcement of tinted glass permit January 2, 2026

The police cited the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, noting that it is an Act of the National Assembly and not a military decree.

“Under Section 2(3)(a) of the Act, the Inspector-General of Police is empowered to issue tinted glass permits, while Section 1(2) requires applicants to demonstrate valid security or health-related reasons”, it added.

The Force explained that the policy was introduced primarily to address serious public safety concerns, particularly the use of heavily tinted vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent offences, which have continued to pose grave security challenges across the country.

Responding to claims that the permit regime is revenue-driven, the police dismissed the allegation as misleading.

The statement stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating agency, although it is legally permitted to receive funds incidental to the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, as provided under Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended).

The NPF further clarified that the automated tinted glass permit system operates under the Police Specialized Services Automation Project, which was approved by the Federal Executive Council in July 2022.

The project, it said, is being implemented through a lawful Public-Private Partnership arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act, with the involvement of a licensed information technology infrastructure provider.

Under the new system, applications are submitted online, subjected to security screening, and approved strictly in line with legal requirements.

“Administrative fees paid by applicants, the Force explained, are used solely to maintain the technology infrastructure, data security, and operational systems supporting the platform, and do not constitute revenue for the police” it explained.

The police also strongly refuted allegations that payments for tinted glass permits are made into a private account operated by Parkway Projects Limited.

According to the statement, Parkway Projects is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment service provider engaged by the Federal Government as a collection platform, similar to Remita.

The Force explained that the number referenced by the NBA president as a bank account was, in fact, a transaction reference number used for payment reconciliation and settlement into designated government channels.

While acknowledging that some motorists prefer tinted glass for privacy, aesthetics, or protection from sunlight, the police warned that indiscriminate use of heavily tinted vehicles has undermined traffic surveillance, aided criminal concealment, and obstructed intelligence-led policing.

“The enhanced permit system, the statement said, was designed to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting, eliminate extortion associated with the old manual process, and introduce modern security innovations.”, it statement said.

The Force recalled that enforcement of the policy had earlier been voluntarily suspended following engagements with NBA leadership and appeals from the public, describing the move as an act of goodwill rather than compliance with any judicial order.

It emphasised that no court has issued a restraining order against the police on the matter, noting that an application for an interim injunction was refused by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri.

The NPF said it remains mindful of pending cases, including Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved, and assured that it would not take any action capable of undermining judicial proceedings.

It explained that its recent communication on enforcement was intended as advance notice for operational planning and remains subject to court directives.

However, the police warned that Nigeria’s prevailing security realities make it impossible to abandon lawful measures aimed at safeguarding the majority of citizens, stressing that only a small fraction of motorists use tinted glass and that public safety cannot be compromised to protect narrow or criminal interests.

The Force also reiterated that enforcement, where lawfully undertaken, would be professional and respectful of human rights.

The Inspector-General cautioned officers against extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority, warning that any personnel found culpable would face severe disciplinary action. At the same time, the police urged the public not to generalise individual misconduct as institutional failure.

Addressing reports of fresh litigation, the NPF said it was aware of media claims that a new suit had allegedly been filed by Olukunle Edun, at a Delta State High Court, despite the pendency of related cases in Abuja and Warri.

The Force stated that it had not been served with any court processes and would respond appropriately upon service.

The Inspector-General of Police reassured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights, while calling for calm, responsible public discourse and respect for judicial processes as the courts determine the issues before them.

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