The Nigeria Police Force has insisted that the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy remains valid and enforceable, saying there is no existing court order declaring the policy unlawful or permanently restraining the police from carrying out their statutory duties.
The Force made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, amid public debate and legal challenges surrounding the policy.
According to the police, while the matter is currently before a court, pending litigation does not automatically strip the Force of its lawful responsibilities.
“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.
The Police stressed that it remains committed to the rule of law and will fully comply with any valid court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“The Inspector-General of Police has reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its respect for the judiciary and will not act in any manner that undermines ongoing judicial proceedings,” Hundeyin stated.
The Force noted that, as of now, no final judicial pronouncement has declared the tinted glass permit policy unlawful, nor is there any subsisting order stopping the police from regulating tinted vehicle glasses.
“Accordingly, the policy remains part of the existing regulatory framework for road safety, crime prevention, and national security,” the statement added.
The Police explained that the administrative communication issued on December 15, 2025, was not an order for immediate enforcement, but rather an internal planning guide and a public clarification.
“It did not direct immediate enforcement actions, nor did it authorise conduct inconsistent with any subsisting court process,” the Force said.
On security concerns, the Police maintained that the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses remains critical, noting that heavily tinted vehicles have been linked to crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
“Both globally and within Nigeria, the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been associated with serious crimes,” the statement read.
The Force assured Nigerians that any lawful enforcement would be carried out professionally and with respect for human rights, warning officers against misconduct.
“The Inspector-General of Police reaffirms a zero-tolerance stance towards extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by personnel,” Hundeyin said, adding that offenders would face disciplinary action.
While acknowledging concerns raised by the Nigerian Bar Association, the Police described the NBA as a key stakeholder in the justice sector and called for constructive engagement rather than public confrontation.
“Constructive engagement, grounded in mutual respect for institutional roles, contributes positively to the administration of justice,” the statement read.
The Police urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while awaiting the court’s final decision.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and the Nigeria Police Force remains firmly committed to protecting lives, property, and the stability of the nation,” the statement concluded.
