Police clarify legality of tinted-glass permit amid NBA court case

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended the legality of its tinted-glass permit policy following reports that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the matter.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police said the Punch Newspaper publication of September 5, 2025, necessitated the clarification to “set the records straight” and prevent misinformation.

Quoting the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, Hundeyin explained that Section 2(3a) empowers the IGP or his authorised representatives to grant or approve tinted-glass permits.

He added that applicants must justify their requests on health or security grounds as stipulated in Section 1(2) of the Act.

“The essence of this regulation is consistent with the core mandate of the Police to prevent crimes, as the permit is a critical tool for curbing violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and one-chance operations,” the statement read.

The Police also addressed concerns over the fees charged for permits, describing them as “purely processing fees” meant to sustain the digital infrastructure deployed for the service.

Hundeyin cited Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Force to render specialised services to the public at a fee.

According to him, the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) has been instrumental in recovering stolen vehicles nationwide, showcasing the effectiveness of such modernised systems.

The Force dismissed claims that the tinted-glass permit policy is unlawful, opaque, or unconstitutional, insisting such arguments are “untrue, misleading and a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force.”

IGP Egbetokun, the statement noted, reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and safeguarding the fundamental rights of Nigerians while ensuring a safer nation.