Nigeria Police defends tinted glass permit enforcement, citing security threats and clarifying court rulings against claims of illegality

The Nigeria Police Force has stated that no court order restrained it from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy, describing claims to the contrary as a misinterpretation of court directives.

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Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the statement in Abuja on Tuesday while addressing questions about the Nigerian Bar Association’s threat to file a contempt suit against Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.

Hundeyin explained that a widely cited court order merely directed the maintenance of the status quo at the time it was issued and did not halt enforcement of the policy.

The subsequent suspension of the policy in October 2025, he said, followed consultations between the Inspector-General and the NBA, rather than a judicial mandate.

“The suspension was based on the Nigeria Police Force being responsible and responsive to the yearnings of the people, and responsive to the appeal by the NBA,” Hundeyin said, emphasising that no timeline was attached to the temporary halt.

The spokesperson highlighted security risks as a primary reason for the resumption of enforcement.

He cited a recent incident in Benin City, Edo State, where a vehicle with fully tinted windows eluded police, resulting in a pursuit during which an inspector of police was killed. Hundeyin said such cases illustrate the potential threat to public safety posed by unregulated tinted vehicles.

On concerns regarding revenue from the permit process, Hundeyin stressed that the current system is fully digital, hosted on a secure government platform, and used to maintain the database, security infrastructure, and biometric systems for applicants, including Nigerians abroad.

He added that fees collected are necessary for system maintenance rather than revenue generation.

“This system is advanced, secure, and entirely online. It is not a money-making venture,” Hundeyin said, noting that the official government website, posap.gov.ng, demonstrates that the policy is fully ratified by the Federal Government.

The Nigeria Police Force also stated that it has not yet received any court papers relating to the NBA’s contempt threat and that its Legal Directorate will respond appropriately once served.

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The force urged motorists to comply with the policy through the official channels, emphasising that enforcement aims to protect lives, property, and public safety.