The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended the legality of its tinted-glass permit policy after reports surfaced that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has taken the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to court, questioning the validity of the practice.
In a Punch Newspaper report dated September 5, 2025, the NBA filed a legal action seeking to challenge what it described as the unconstitutional and non-transparent issuance of tinted-glass permits by the Police. The association argued that the policy infringes on citizens’ rights and places unnecessary restrictions on lawful vehicle owners.
Responding in a statement issued on September 10, 2025, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, clarified that Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 expressly empowers the IGP, or any officer authorized by him, to approve tinted-glass permits. He further cited Section 1(2) of the same Act, which requires applicants to demonstrate valid reasons—such as health or security needs—before approval is granted.
The Police maintained that the policy is a critical crime-prevention tool used in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one chance” operations. Hundeyin also explained that the charges attached are processing fees that support the digital infrastructure of the service, referencing Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which allows the Force to provide specialized services at a fee.
He highlighted the achievements of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which has enabled the tracing and recovery of numerous stolen vehicles across the country, describing it as evidence of modernized policing in line with global best practices.
The Police, however, dismissed claims that the permit lacks legal or constitutional backing as “untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to undermine the image of the Force.” Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, reaffirmed the NPF’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights, while urging Nigerians to disregard misinformation.
With the matter now before the courts, the final decision on the legality and scope of the tinted-glass permit policy will rest with the judiciary.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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