Police Defend Tinted Glass Policy Amid NBA Court Challenge
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Wednesday defended its tinted-glass permit policy as backed by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, and does not violate citizens’ rights.
The clarification came after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenged the policy in court, alleging that the collection of payments for the permits is unlawful and that funds are being routed to a private account rather than the government’s Federation Account or Treasury Single Account.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court, is titled ‘The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025)’.
It was instituted by the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law, led by Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN).
In response, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that the charges collected are processing fees meant to sustain the digital infrastructure used for issuing the permits.
He stressed that the permits are a vital tool in combating serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one chance” operations.
Hundeyin argued that the NBA’s claims misrepresented the legal framework, noting that Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 empowers the Inspector-General of Police or an authorised officer to issue the permits.
He further cited Section 1(2) of the Act, which requires applicants to provide valid reasons such as health or security needs before tinted glass can be approved.
He said, “It is pertinent to set the records straight to avoid misinformation to the good citizens of Nigeria on the legality of the issuance of tinted permits by the Police. Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 empowers the Inspector-General of Police or any person duly authorised by him to grant or approve the permit.”
Hundeyin added that the Police rely on such regulatory tools to prevent crimes, arguing that the policy aligns with their constitutional mandate to protect lives and property.
He also pointed to the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which the Police introduced to track vehicle ownership and movement. According to him, the system has aided in recovering several stolen vehicles nationwide, demonstrating the value of modernised policing tools.
“The Nigeria Police wishes to unequivocally assure the public that the alleged claims by individuals and groups that the tinted permit policy is not legal, transparent and constitutionally valid are not only untrue and misleading but also a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force,” Hundeyin said.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the Force’s position, pledging that the Police remain committed to the rule of law, transparency, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
He maintained that the permit process is lawful and part of broader efforts to strengthen security.
Police Defend Tinted Glass Policy Amid NBA Court Challenge is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
