The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reaffirmed its stance on the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, stressing that no court ruling has declared the policy illegal or issued a permanent injunction preventing the police from carrying out their lawful duties.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by its spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the police said the clarification became necessary following “recent public discussions” surrounding the policy, especially comments attributed to the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
On Monday, the NPF announced that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume on January 2, 2026, citing an increase in vehicle-related criminal activities.
In response, the NBA accused the police of disregarding a court order allegedly restraining the enforcement of the policy.
Addressing the issue, the police acknowledged the value of civic engagement in a democratic system, noting that it was important to “provide institutional clarity in a manner that reassures the public, affirms respect for the rule of law, and preserves public order”.
“The Inspector-General of Police has reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its respect for the judiciary,” the statement said.
“The Force will comply fully with all valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction and will not act in any manner that undermines ongoing judicial proceedings.
“At the same time, it is important to clarify that 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 emphasised that there is “no final judicial pronouncement declaring the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy unlawful” and that there is also “no subsisting order permanently restraining the Nigeria Police Force from performing its statutory duties” with respect to regulating tinted vehicle glasses.
According to the police, the policy “remains part of the existing regulatory framework for road safety, crime prevention, and national security, subject at all times to the authority and supervisory role of the courts”.
It further stated that representations made before the court by counsel to the NPF were done in good faith and accurately reflected the institution’s position. The Force added that it has exercised restraint while awaiting the court’s decision, in recognition of the primacy of the judicial process.
“Such restraint should not, however, be misconstrued as a waiver or abandonment of lawful authority, particularly in matters that directly implicate public safety and the protection of lives and property,” the statement noted.
It explained that the administrative communication issued on 15th December 2025 was meant only to guide internal preparations and improve public awareness, adding that it neither ordered immediate enforcement nor authorised actions contrary to any existing court proceedings.
The police maintained that the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses “remains a legitimate security concern”, pointing out that the abuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been associated with crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.
The NPF assured Nigerians that any enforcement would be conducted with “professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards”, while warning that officers involved in extortion, harassment, or abuse of power would face appropriate disciplinary action.