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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected comments credited to Barr. Afam Osigwe, president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), on the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, saying the claims were misleading and misrepresented the law.
In a statement on Friday, the police said the policy was grounded in law and aimed at safeguarding public safety and national security.
The NPF said it operates strictly within the constitution, extant statutes and valid court orders, adding that it has neither acted nor intends to act in contempt of court.
The police said respect for the judiciary and adherence to due process remain non-negotiable under the leadership of IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Part of the statement read: “The regulation of vehicle tinted glass is not a discretionary or arbitrary policy, as erroneously put by the President of NBA.
“It is firmly grounded in law. The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004 is an Act of the National Assembly and NOT a millitary decree as misrepresented by the President of NBA.
“Section 2(3)(a) of the Act vests the Inspector-General of Police with statutory authority to issue permits, while Section 1(2) of the same Act requires applicants to establish legitimate security or health-related justification.
“This framework exists primarily to address public safety concerns, particularly the use of obscured vehicles in the commission of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and other violent crimes.
“It is therefore incorrect and misleading to portray the policy as a revenue-driven initiative. The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating organisation.
“Nonetheless, the Force is empowered by law to receive funds that accrue incidentally in the discharge of its statutory functions. Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended) expressly recognises this authority. This legal position is neither novel nor controversial.”
The police said applications for tinted glass permits are processed online, vetted for security and approved strictly in line with the law.
The NPF said administrative fees paid by applicants are used to sustain technology infrastructure and data security systems, not for revenue generation.
The NPF said it recognises the NBA as a key stakeholder but would not engage narratives that portray the police as lawless or acting in bad faith.
The police said it was aware through media reports of a fresh suit allegedly filed by Olukunle Edun, SAN, but noted that it had not been served with any court processes.
The NPF said it would respond appropriately upon service after consulting its legal advisers.
