The Nigeria Police has reacted to a report by Punch Newspaper on September 5, 2025, which stated that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the issuance of tinted-glass permits.
In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police described the publication as potentially misleading and stressed the need to set the record straight on the legality of the policy.
According to the NPF, Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, empowers the IGP or any duly authorised officer to issue or approve permits. The Act also stipulates in Section 1(2) that applicants must show justifiable reasons, such as health or security grounds, before such approval is granted.
The Force explained that the regulation is designed to enhance national security and curb crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and “one chance” operations. It also clarified that the fees charged for permits are processing charges meant for maintaining the digital infrastructure that supports the service.
This, the statement noted, is backed by Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which allows the Police to render specialised services at a fee.
Highlighting the success of its Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), the Police stated that several stolen vehicles have been recovered through the platform, describing the initiative as an example of modernised policing aligned with global best practices.
The Force dismissed claims that the tinted-glass permit policy is illegal or unconstitutional, insisting such allegations are “untrue, misleading, and a calculated attempt to tarnish the image and integrity of the Police.”
IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to the rule of law, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights, while assuring Nigerians of continued transparency and dedication to a safer and more secure society.
