Police React to NBA Over Tinted Glass Permit Case
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has responded to reports that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the legality of the tinted glass permit policy.
On 5 September 2025, the NBA filed a suit challenging the Police’s authority to issue permits for vehicles with tinted glass. The association argued that neither the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 nor the Nigeria Police Act, 2020 provides for the collection of fees from applicants. It further contended that the practice violates citizens’ rights to free movement and equality before the law.
Reacting in a statement issued on Wednesday by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police maintained that the IGP has the authority to grant tinted glass permits under Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004.
The Act, the statement explained, also requires applicants to provide valid reasons, such as health or security concerns, before approval can be granted.
The Police further stated that the fees associated with obtaining the permit were not arbitrary but constitute processing charges for maintaining digital infrastructure. It cited Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Police to provide specialised services for a fee.
The Force also highlighted successes recorded through the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), noting that the system has enabled the recovery of numerous stolen vehicles nationwide.
While responding to claims that the policy is not legal or transparent, the Police described such allegations as “untrue and misleading” and aimed at casting aspersions on its operations.
The statement concluded with an assurance from the IGP that the Police remain committed to the rule of law, professionalism, transparency, and safeguarding the rights of Nigerians.
