The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed recent remarks attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), regarding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit policy.
The Force described the comments as misleading and potentially harmful to public order, institutional clarity, and national security.
In an official statement released on Friday, December 19, by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said it felt compelled to “set the record straight, correct material misrepresentations, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and judicial authority.”
CSP Hundeyin stressed that under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Force has always operated within the law and has never acted, nor intends to act, in contempt of the judiciary.
“At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution, operating strictly within the Constitution, existing statutes, and valid court orders,” Hundeyin said. “Respect for the judiciary and due process remains a core principle of police governance and command responsibility.”
Tinted Glass Regulation Rooted in Law
Countering claims that the tinted glass permit policy is discretionary or based on a military decree, the police clarified that the regulation is grounded in law.
“The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly—not a military decree, as has been misrepresented,” the statement said.
The Force highlighted that Section 2(3)(a) of the Act grants the Inspector-General of Police statutory authority to issue tinted glass permits, while Section 1(2) requires applicants to demonstrate a legitimate security or health-related need. The law is aimed at addressing serious public safety concerns, including the rising use of obscured vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent offences.
The police also rejected claims that the tinted glass policy is a revenue-generating scheme. “It is incorrect to portray the policy as a means to raise funds. The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating body,” Hundeyin said, noting that incidental funds collected under the Police Act, 2020, are legally recognized for supporting lawful activities.
Automation Project Ensures Compliance and Security
To streamline the process while maintaining national security, the Federal Government approved the Police Specialised Services Automation Project in July 2022. The initiative, implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership, allows tinted glass permit applications to be processed online, vetted for security compliance, and approved in line with the law.
“Administrative fees paid by applicants are used solely to maintain the technology infrastructure, secure data systems, and support workflow efficiency. They are not revenue for the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement clarified.
Addressing claims that payments were directed to a private account under Parkway Projects Limited, the police called the allegation false, explaining that Parkway Projects is a Central Bank-licensed Payment Services Provider used to process payments securely on behalf of the Federal Government.
Balancing Privacy and Public Safety
While acknowledging that some vehicle owners use tinted glass for privacy, aesthetics, or sun protection, the Force warned that indiscriminate use compromises traffic monitoring and aids criminal concealment. The enhanced Tint Permit System, it said, was introduced to standardize applications, improve security vetting, and integrate modern technology, while eliminating bottlenecks and reducing opportunities for extortion.
The police noted that enforcement of the policy had previously been voluntarily suspended as a goodwill gesture following consultations with the NBA. This pause, Hundeyin emphasized, was not a court-mandated action.
No Court Restraining Order
The NPF stressed that no court has issued a restraining order against it regarding tinted glass enforcement. “For clarity, the Federal High Court in Warri refused an application for an interim injunction,” the statement said.
The Force reiterated that its responsibility to safeguard public safety remains paramount, warning against prioritizing the interests of a few motorists over the security of the broader population.
Commitment to Professionalism
Despite the firm stance, the Inspector-General assures that enforcement will remain professional and rights-compliant. Officers found guilty of extortion or harassment will face disciplinary action, Hundeyin added.
The police also addressed reports that Mr. Olukunle Edun, SAN, filed a fresh suit at a Delta State High Court, noting that they have not been served and will respond appropriately upon receipt of court processes.
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Concluding the statement, the Force called for calm, responsible public discourse, and respect for judicial proceedings as the courts handle ongoing cases related to the tinted glass policy.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights,” CSP Hundeyin said.
