By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy remains part of Nigeria’s existing security and regulatory framework, stressing that it has neither been declared unlawful by any court nor permanently restrained by any judicial order.
The clarification followed growing public debate on the policy, including a recent statement credited to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association. In a detailed institutional response, the Police said while civic engagement is a vital feature of democracy, it was necessary to provide clarity that reassures the public, affirms respect for the rule of law, and preserves public order.
The Force explained that it is constitutionally established and statutorily mandated to maintain public safety, prevent crime, and preserve internal security, noting that it operates strictly within the confines of the law and under civil authority.
In an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Inspector-General of Police reiterated the Force’s unwavering respect for the judiciary, assuring that the Police would comply fully with all valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction and would not act in any way that undermines ongoing judicial proceedings.
The Police, however, clarified that the mere existence of pending litigation does not extinguish its lawful responsibilities, except where a court has expressly and finally directed otherwise. As of today, the Force noted, there is no final judicial pronouncement declaring the tinted glass permit policy unlawful, nor is there any subsisting order permanently restraining the Police from carrying out its statutory duties in relation to the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses.
Accordingly, the Police maintained that the policy remains valid within the context of road safety, crime prevention, and national security, subject at all times to judicial oversight. It added that representations made before the court by its counsel were done in good faith and accurately reflected the institutional position of the Force, while restraint exercised so far was in deference to the primacy of the judicial process.
The Force cautioned that such restraint should not be misconstrued as a waiver or abandonment of lawful authority, particularly in matters directly linked to public safety and the protection of lives and property. It also clarified that the administrative communication issued on 15 December 2025 was intended only to guide internal planning and enhance public understanding, and did not authorise immediate enforcement actions or any conduct inconsistent with subsisting court processes.
According to the Police, operational decisions on the timing and mode of enforcement remain within its lawful discretion, exercised in line with the Constitution and subject to judicial supervision.
Reinforcing the security rationale behind the policy, the Force noted that the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles, both globally and within Nigeria, has been linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats to public safety. It pledged that where enforcement is lawfully undertaken, it will be guided by professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards.
The Inspector-General of Police also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by officers, warning that any personnel found guilty of such misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action. At the same time, the Force urged the public not to generalise isolated cases of misconduct or use them to impugn the institution as a whole, emphasising the sacrifices of officers who daily risk their lives to protect the nation.
The Police further described the Nigerian Bar Association as a valued stakeholder in the justice sector, noting that constructive engagement rooted in mutual respect for institutional roles strengthens public confidence in state institutions. It assured continued responsible engagement with stakeholders, while avoiding public exchanges capable of undermining trust in law enforcement or the judiciary.
The statement concluded by affirming that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to act lawfully, independently, and responsibly in the discharge of its constitutional mandate, comply fully with all valid court orders, and safeguard its lawful authority from erosion through premature conclusions or undue public pressure. Members of the public were urged to remain calm and go about their lawful activities, as public safety remains a shared responsibility.
