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, PhD, NPM, to court over the issuance of tinted glass permits, assuring Nigerians that the policy is legal and aimed at protecting lives and property.
In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police described the lawsuit, which was reported by Punch Newspapers on September 5, 2025, as based on a misunderstanding of the law.
Hundeyin explained that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, specifically Section 2(3a), clearly empowers the IGP or anyone duly authorised by him to grant permits for the use of tinted glass. He added that under Section 1(2) of the Act, applicants must demonstrate a valid reason — either health-related or for security purposes — before such approval can be given.
“The essence of this regulation is to protect Nigerians and prevent crime. Tinted glass permits are a vital tool for tackling serious offences such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and the notorious ‘one-chance’ operations,” Hundeyin stated.
Addressing concerns about the fees charged for permits, Hundeyin clarified that they are strictly processing fees used to maintain the Police’s digital infrastructure. He cited Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which authorises the Force to offer specialised services to the public for a fee.
The spokesperson highlighted the success of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), a system that has helped trace and recover numerous stolen vehicles across the country. According to him, this modernised approach demonstrates the Police’s commitment to global best practices.
The Police also dismissed claims that the tinted glass permit system lacks transparency or constitutional backing, describing such allegations as misleading.
IGP Egbetokun, while reiterating the Force’s commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights, assured the public that the Police would continue to operate within the rule of law.
“We are dedicated to transparency and the protection of all Nigerians. Our goal is to build a safer and more secure country for everyone,” the IGP said.
The Police urged the public to remain calm and disregard misinformation surrounding the policy as the matter unfolds in court.