‘No Court Stopped Us’: Police Vow to Enforce Tinted Glass Permit as Security Fears Mount

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has insisted that the enforcement of the tinted glass permit regulation remains in force, dismissing claims that a court has halted the exercise.

Police authorities say no judicial order has restrained the force from implementing the policy, stressing that the directive will stand until a competent court rules otherwise.

The clarification was made by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, while addressing journalists during the public presentation of criminal suspects arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team.

Hundeyin said the police would continue to enforce the tinted glass permit nationwide, warning that criminal elements often take advantage of enforcement suspensions to carry out violent crimes.

He linked the policy directly to public safety, citing cases where tinted vehicles were allegedly used in kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on security personnel.

One such incident, he said, occurred recently in Edo State, where occupants of a Lexus SUV with tinted windows reportedly refused to stop at a police checkpoint. According to the police, the vehicle was chased and its occupants opened fire on officers, killing a police inspector and injuring others.

Addressing public confusion surrounding the policy, Hundeyin explained that the earlier suspension announced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was not prompted by any court order.

“The Inspector-General of Police, out of understanding and respect for Nigerians, temporarily suspended enforcement to allow more time for people to regularise their tinted glass permits,” he said.

He added that the decision had been widely misinterpreted by sections of the public and professional groups, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“That suspension was a discretionary move, not the result of a court directive,” Hundeyin said.

While acknowledging that legal challenges to the policy are currently before the courts, the police spokesman noted that the judicial process has been slow.

He maintained that, until a court issues a contrary ruling, the police are legally empowered to continue enforcement.

“At no time did any court restrain the Nigeria Police Force or the Inspector-General of Police from enforcing the tinted glass permit regulation,” he said.

The police insist the regulation remains a key security measure aimed at curbing crime and protecting both citizens and law enforcement officers across the country.