In a statement released on Wednesday, the Force said its attention had been drawn to recent public debates on the tinted glass permit policy, particularly comments attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has maintained that the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy remains valid and enforceable, insisting that it has not acted in violation of any court order concerning the policy.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Force said its attention had been drawn to recent public debates on the tinted glass permit policy, particularly comments attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
SaharaReporters on Tuesday, December 16, reported that the NBA strongly condemned the planned resumption of enforcement of the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy by the Nigeria Police Force, describing it as a grave affront to the authority of the court and a subversion of the rule of law.
The condemnation followed a press release issued on December 15, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announcing that enforcement of the previously suspended tinted glass permit policy would resume with effect from January 2, 2026.
The Force explained that although enforcement was previously suspended, the action was taken voluntarily and not as a result of any court order.
According to the NPF, the temporary suspension was in the interest of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, allowing motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the permit application process without undue pressure.
However, the police said recent trends have shown a disturbing increase in criminal activities involving vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA said the announcement confirmed a “troubling disregard for the rule of law and due process” by the police, despite ongoing court proceedings challenging the legality of the policy.
The association recalled that in April 2025, the Inspector General of Police introduced a policy requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits through an online platform, with enforcement initially slated for June 1, 2025, and later postponed to October 2, 2025.
The policy, according to the NBA, triggered widespread reports of harassment, extortion and civil rights violations, particularly against young Nigerians.
On September 2, 2025, the NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the policy.
The suit questioned the authority of the police to impose fees on citizens and alleged that the policy was unconstitutional, illegal, extortionate and detrimental to citizens’ economic well-being.
Among other grounds, the NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991 is a military-era law that no longer meets constitutional standards, that the policy amounted to an unlawful revenue-generating scheme by the police, and that payments were being made into a private account rather than the Treasury Single Account.
The association also contended that the policy added to multiple layers of taxation and imposed hardship on Nigerians amid prevailing economic challenges.
Separately, on October 3, 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, ordered parties to maintain the status quo and restrained the police from enforcing the policy pending the determination of an interlocutory application.
However, on Wednesday, while recognising the importance of civic engagement in a democratic society, the Police said it was necessary to provide clarity that would reassure the public, affirm respect for the rule of law, and preserve public order.
The NPF insisted that it is constitutionally established and statutorily mandated to maintain public safety, prevent crime, and preserve internal security, stressing that it operates strictly within the confines of the law and under civil authority in the discharge of its duties.
The IGP reiterated the Force’s unwavering respect for the judiciary, assuring that the Police will comply fully with all valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction and will not act in any manner that undermines ongoing judicial proceedings.
However, the Police clarified that the existence of pending litigation does not automatically suspend its lawful responsibilities, except where a court has expressly and finally directed otherwise.
“As of today, there is no final judicial pronouncement declaring the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy unlawful, nor is there any subsisting order permanently restraining the Nigeria Police Force from performing its statutory duties in relation to the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses,” the statement said.
On this basis, the Force maintained that the policy remains part of the existing regulatory framework for road safety, crime prevention, and national security, subject to the authority and supervisory role of the courts.
The police further stated that representations made by its counsel before the court were done in good faith and accurately reflected the institutional position of the Force.
It added that pending the determination of the case, the Police had exercised restraint in deference to the judicial process.
It cautioned that such restraint should not be interpreted as a waiver or abandonment of lawful authority, particularly in matters affecting public safety and the protection of lives and property.
Clarifying the administrative communication issued on December 15, 2025, the NPF said the directive was intended solely to guide internal planning and improve public understanding, stressing that it neither ordered immediate enforcement nor authorised actions inconsistent with any subsisting court process.
The Force added that decisions on the timing and manner of enforcement remain within its lawful discretion, exercised in line with the Constitution and subject to judicial oversight.
Reiterating the security implications of tinted vehicle glasses, the Police said the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been linked to serious crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery, both in Nigeria and globally.
It assured the public that where enforcement is lawfully undertaken, it would be guided by professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards.
The police also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on extortion, harassment, and abuse of authority by police officers, warning that any personnel found engaging in such conduct would be disciplined in accordance with established procedures.