No Court Order Bars Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit Policy, Police Reply to NBA

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its position on the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, insisting that there is no court order declaring the policy unlawful or permanently restraining the police from carrying out their statutory responsibilities.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by Benjamin Hundeyin, its spokesperson, the police said the response was necessitated by “recent public discussions” on the policy, particularly a statement by the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

On Monday, the NPF announced that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy will resume on January 2, 2026, citing a surge in vehicle-related crimes.

Reacting, the NBA had accused the police of flouting a court order restraining the police from enforcing the policy.

According to the statement on Wednesday, the police acknowledged the importance of civic engagement in a democracy, and said it was necessary to “provide institutional clarity in a manner that reassures the public, affirms respect for the rule of law, and preserves public order”.

“The Inspector-General of Police has reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its respect for the judiciary,” the statement reads.

“The Force will comply fully with all valid orders of 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 said there is currently “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” relating to the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses.

It said the policy “remains part of the existing regulatory framework for road safety, crime prevention, and national security, subject at all times to the authority and supervisory role of the courts”.

“Representations made before the court by counsel to the Nigeria Police Force were made in good faith and accurately reflected the institutional position of the Force. Pending the determination of the court, the Police has exercised restraint in deference to the primacy of the judicial process,” the statement added.

“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 administrative communication issued on 15th December 2025 was intended solely to guide internal planning and enhance public understanding. It did not direct immediate enforcement actions, nor did it authorise conduct inconsistent with any subsisting court process.”

The police said the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses “remains a legitimate security concern”, noting that the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been linked to crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.

It assured Nigerians that any lawful enforcement would be carried out with “professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards”, adding that any officer found to have engaged in extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.