IGP Has Legal Powers to Issue Tinted-Glass Permits, Police Reply NBA Amidst Legal Suit
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reacted to reports that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to court over the enforcement of tinted-glass permits, insisting that the policy is lawful, transparent, and in line with global best practices.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police dismissed claims questioning the legality of the policy, describing them as misleading and an attempt to malign the image of the Force.
Citing Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, Hundeyin explained that the law empowers the IGP, or any person duly authorized by him, to issue or approve permits for the use of tinted glass. He added that Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to show “good cause” for approval—such as health reasons or security considerations.
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“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 noted.
The Force also defended the fees attached to the permit process, clarifying that they are strictly processing charges meant for maintaining the digital infrastructure used in delivering the service. According to Hundeyin, the Nigeria Police Act 2020 (Section 26e and f) empowers the Police to render specialized services to the public at a fee.
Highlighting successes of its modernized services, the Police pointed to the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), which has reportedly facilitated the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide.
“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 stressed.
The IGP, according to the statement, reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law, safeguarding citizens’ rights, and maintaining professionalism in the discharge of duties.
He assured Nigerians of the Police’s dedication to building a safer and more secure nation while maintaining transparency in its operations.
By PRNigeria
