The Nigeria Police Force has faulted recent comments credited to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), on the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit policy, describing them as misleading and capable of undermining public order, institutional clarity and national security.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, December 19, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said it was compelled to “place the facts on record, correct material misrepresentations, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and judicial authority.”
Hundeyin stressed that the Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has never acted and does not intend to act in contempt of court.
“At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes, and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction,” he said.
“Respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain non-negotiable pillars of police governance and command responsibility.”
Tinted Glass Regulation Backed By Act of National Assembly
Countering the NBA president’s assertion that the tinted glass policy was discretionary or rooted in a military decree, the police said the regulation is firmly anchored in extant law.
“The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 is an Act of the National Assembly and NOT a military decree as misrepresented,” the statement read.
According to the Force, Section 2(3)(a) of the Act expressly vests statutory authority in the Inspector-General of Police to issue tinted glass permits, while Section 1(2) requires applicants to establish legitimate security or health-related justification.
The police explained that the law exists to address serious public safety concerns, particularly the increasing use of obscured vehicles in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism and other violent offences.
The Force also rejected claims that the tinted glass permit policy was introduced as a revenue-generating initiative.
“It is incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as revenue-driven. The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organisation,” Hundeyin stated.
He clarified, however, that the Police Act, 2020 (as amended) empowers the Force to receive funds that accrue incidentally in the discharge of its lawful duties.
“Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 expressly recognises this authority. This legal position is neither novel nor controversial,” the statement added.
Why Automation Project Was Approved
The police disclosed that in order to balance access for legitimate applicants with national security imperatives, the Federal Government approved the Police Specialised Services Automation Project.
The project, according to the statement, received the approval of the Federal Executive Council in July 2022 and is implemented under a lawful Public-Private Partnership arrangement authorised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission Act.
Under the automated framework, applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, subjected to security vetting and approved strictly in accordance with the law.
“Administrative fees paid by applicants are applied solely towards sustaining the technology infrastructure, data security systems and workflow architecture supporting the process,” the Force said.
“They do not constitute revenue generation by the Nigeria Police Force.”
Reacting to allegations that payments were being made into a private account allegedly operated by Parkway Projects Limited, the Force described the claim as false and misleading.
“The allegation that payments are made into a ‘private account’ operated by Parkway Projects is entirely false and betrays either ignorance of payment processing systems or outright mischief,” Hundeyin said.
He explained that Parkway Projects Limited is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed Payment Services Provider, engaged by the Federal Government as a payment collection channel, similar to platforms such as Remita.
“The number cited as a bank account by the NBA president is not a bank account but a unique transaction identifier used for reconciliation and settlement into designated government channels,” the statement clarified.
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 weakened traffic surveillance and aided criminal concealment.
“The enhanced Tint Permit System was introduced to standardise applications nationwide, improve vetting and integrate security innovations previously absent from the process,” the Force said.
It added that the system also eliminates bottlenecks and extortion associated with the old manual process, as part of broader reforms to modernise policing under the current Inspector-General.
Enforcement Earlier Suspended As Goodwill Gesture
The Force recalled that enforcement of the policy was earlier voluntarily suspended following engagements with the NBA leadership and public appeals.
“This decision was an exercise of institutional restraint and goodwill, not the result of any judicial restraint,” Hundeyin said.
He noted that the Police were fully aware of pending cases, including Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, in which judgment has been reserved, and would not take any action capable of undermining judicial outcomes.
No Restraining Order From Any Court – Police Insist
The Police emphasised that no court has restrained it from enforcing the tinted glass policy.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no court has issued a restraining order against the Nigeria Police Force on this matter. The application for interim injunction was outrightly refused by the Federal High Court sitting in Warri,” the statement read.
It reiterated that the earlier suspension of enforcement was voluntary and not court-imposed.
“In the face of Nigeria’s current security realities, many of which are exacerbated by the abuse of tinted vehicles, the Force cannot abdicate its constitutional responsibility,” Hundeyin said.
The police further argued that only a small percentage of motorists use tinted glass and warned against sacrificing broader public safety for narrow interests.
“No responsible police institution will allow the security of the overwhelming majority of Nigerians to be jeopardised in order to protect the narrow interests of a few, whether elitist or criminal, under the guise of public advocacy,” the statement said.
Despite its firm stance, the Force assured Nigerians that enforcement would be professional and rights-compliant.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates that extortion, harassment or abuse of authority by any police officer will not be tolerated. Officers found culpable will face severe disciplinary sanctions,” Hundeyin stated.
He warned, however, that individual misconduct should not be used to malign the Police as an institution.
The Force also said it was aware, through media reports, that Mr Olukunle Edun, SAN, had allegedly filed a fresh suit at a Delta State High Court despite the pendency of other cases.
The Police said it had not been served with any court processes and would respond appropriately upon service.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Inspector-General assured Nigerians of the Force’s dedication to professionalism, accountability and the protection of fundamental rights.
“The Nigeria Police Force calls for calm, responsible public discourse and sustained respect for judicial processes as the courts pronounce on the issues before them,” the statement concluded.