No Judicial Pronouncement Against Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy — Police
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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has clarified that there is no final judicial pronouncement declaring the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy unlawful.
The Force also stated that no subsisting court order exists permanently restraining the Nigeria Police Force from carrying out its statutory responsibilities regarding the regulation and control of tinted vehicle glasses across the country.
The clarification follows recent public debates on the policy, particularly comments attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In response, the Police emphasized the need to provide institutional clarity amid growing public discourse.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @PoliceNG, the Force noted that while robust civic engagement is a hallmark of democracy, it is necessary to clarify issues in a manner that reassures the public, affirms respect for the rule of law, and preserves public order.
Accordingly, the Police stated that the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy remains part of Nigeria’s existing regulatory framework, designed to promote road safety, prevent crime, and safeguard national security, subject at all times to the authority and supervisory jurisdiction of the courts.
The Force further explained that presentations made before the court by its legal counsel were done in good faith and accurately reflected the institutional position of the Nigeria Police Force. Pending the final determination of the matter, the Police said it has exercised restraint in deference to the primacy of the judicial process.
“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 said.
The Police also clarified that the administrative communication issued on 15 December 2025 was intended solely to guide internal planning and enhance public understanding of the policy. It stressed that the communication did not direct immediate enforcement actions, nor did it authorise any conduct inconsistent with ongoing judicial proceedings.
According to the Force, operational decisions regarding the timing, scope, and mode of enforcement remain within the lawful discretion of the Nigeria Police Force, exercised strictly in accordance with the Constitution and subject to judicial oversight.
The Police underscored that the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses remains a legitimate and critical security concern. Globally and within Nigeria, the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been linked to serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism-related activities, and other threats to public safety.
“The Nigeria Police Force therefore has a duty to mitigate these risks in a manner that is lawful, proportionate, intelligence-driven, and respectful of citizens’ fundamental rights. Where enforcement is lawfully undertaken, it will be guided by professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards,” the statement added.
The Force further stated that the Inspector-General of Police has reaffirmed the leadership’s zero-tolerance policy toward extortion, harassment, intimidation, or abuse of authority by police personnel. Any officer found engaging in such misconduct, the Police said, will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with established procedures.
The statement reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force is established under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and is statutorily mandated to maintain public safety, prevent crime, and preserve internal security. In carrying out this mandate, the Force emphasized that it operates strictly within the confines of the law and under civilian oversight.
The Inspector-General of Police, according to the statement, also reaffirmed the Force’s unwavering respect for the judiciary, noting that the Police will comply fully with all valid orders issued by courts of competent jurisdiction and will not act in any manner that undermines ongoing judicial proceedings.
“At the same time, it is important to clarify that the existence of pending litigation does not, in itself, extinguish the lawful responsibilities of the Police, except where a court has expressly and finally directed otherwise,” the statement added.
