Police Defends Tinted-Glass Permit System as Legal Crime-Fighting Mandate, Rebuts NBA Lawsuit

Police Defends Tinted-Glass Permit System as Legal Crime-Fighting Mandate, Rebuts NBA Lawsuit
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has forcefully pushed back against the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), insisting its tinted-glass permit system is not only constitutional but a vital tool for crime prevention. In a detailed statement, the Force dismissed the NBA’s legal challenge as baseless, providing a robust defense of its policy.

According to Force Spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the permit policy operates within the legal framework of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 2004. He cited Section 2(3a) of the Act, which explicitly empowers the Inspector-General of Police or an authorized officer to grant approval. The statement also referenced Section 1(2), which mandates that applicants provide valid security or health reasons before a permit can be issued.

The police emphasized that the primary purpose of the regulation is to curb violent criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and “one-chance” operations. They explained that a regulated permit system is crucial for law enforcement to maintain visibility and control.

Furthermore, the NPF clarified the issue of fees, stating they are not arbitrary but are processing charges used to maintain the digital infrastructure supporting the system. This, they noted, is in line with Sections 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which grants the Force the authority to charge fees for specialized services. The statement also highlighted the successful use of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) in vehicle recovery as an example of the Force’s use of technology for crime-fighting.

Concluding the statement, IGP Kayode Egbetokun affirmed the Force’s commitment to professionalism and upholding the rule of law, assuring the public that the fundamental rights of all Nigerians would be safeguarded