The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reacted to reports that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to court over the issuance of tinted glass permits, insisting that the process is lawful and transparent.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, the NPF described the Punch Newspaper publication of September 5, 2025, as potentially misleading, stressing the need to set the records straight.
Hundeyin explained that Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 empowers the IGP or his authorised representatives to approve tinted glass permits. He added that Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to show valid reasons—such as health or security grounds—before approval can be granted.
“The essence of this regulation aligns with the Police’s core mandate of preventing crime, as tinted permits remain a critical tool for curbing violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and one-chance operations,” the statement read.
The Police further clarified that the charges attached to acquiring the permit are strictly processing fees for maintaining the digital infrastructure supporting the service. According to Hundeyin, this is backed by Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which authorises the Police to provide specialised services to the public at a fee.
He also highlighted successes recorded through the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), noting that the system has enabled the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide.
“The alleged claims that the tinted permit policy is illegal, non-transparent, or unconstitutional are not only false and misleading but also a calculated attempt to malign the image and integrity of the Force,” Hundeyin stated.
Reiterating the commitment of the IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, the Police assured Nigerians of its dedication to professionalism, transparency, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
