James Adamu
The Nigeria Police Force on Tuesday issued a definitive statement declaring that its controversial Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy remains legally operative and enforceable, asserting that no final court order has invalidated the regulation.
The clarification from Force Headquarters in Abuja comes amid growing public and legal debate surrounding the policy, which requires motorists to obtain permits for vehicles with tinted windows.
The Police Force positioned its statement as necessary to correct what it called public “misconstrual” of its recent administrative restraint.
“While robust civic engagement remains a defining feature of a democratic society, it has become necessary at this time to provide institutional clarity, emphasizing that the Force operates “strictly within the confines of the law”, the statement reads.
The central thrust of the police position rests on a technical legal distinction. The Force acknowledged ongoing litigation but stressed that the absence of a final judicial pronouncement leaves the policy intact.
“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 declared.
This clarification addresses confusion that arose after the Police reportedly showed restraint in enforcement activities. The Force explained this pause was “in deference to the primacy of the judicial process,” but warned it should not be interpreted as surrender of authority.
“Such restraint should not, however, be misconstrued as a waiver or abandonment of lawful authority, particularly in matters that directly implicate public safety and the protection of lives and property,” the statement cautioned.
Reaffirming the policy’s original rationale, the Police statement linked unregulated tinted vehicles to serious criminal activities, providing the security basis for continued regulation.
“Both globally and within Nigeria, the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been associated with serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats to public safety,” the statement noted.
The Force maintained that “operational decisions relating to the timing and mode of enforcement remain within the lawful discretion of the Nigeria Police Force,” exercised under constitutional authority and judicial oversight. It specified that a recent internal administrative communication from December 15 was merely for “internal planning” and did not authorize immediate enforcement contrary to any court process.
Acknowledging public concerns about potential abuse, the statement contained a reassurance from the Inspector-General of Police regarding officer conduct.
“The Inspector-General of Police reaffirms the commitment of the Force leadership to maintaining a zero-tolerance stance towards extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by its personnel,” it stated, promising disciplinary action for violations.
At the same time, the Police appealed against generalizing “isolated instances of individual misconduct” to impugn the entire institution, paying tribute to officers who “daily place themselves in harm’s way.”
The statement also extended an olive branch to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), recognizing it as “a valued stakeholder in the justice sector” and calling for “constructive engagement.”
Positioning itself between legal authority and public accountability, the Nigeria Police Force pledged to “continue to act lawfully, independently, and responsibly.”
It promised full compliance with valid court orders while equally vowing to “safeguard its lawful authority from erosion through premature conclusions or undue public pressure.”
The statement concluded by urging public calm and describing safety as “a shared responsibility,” with the Police “firmly committed to protecting lives, property, and the stability of the nation.”
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