The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims that a court order stopped the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy, insisting that no such directive was ever issued.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this clarification on Tuesday in Abuja while responding to questions over the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) threat to initiate contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to Hundeyin, the court ruling being referenced by critics merely asked parties to maintain the status quo at the time it was issued, when enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy was already in effect.
“At no point did any court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy,” he said. “What we have seen is a clear misinterpretation of the court document. The injunction was about maintaining the status quo.”
He explained that the court expressly declined a request by a lawyer seeking to halt enforcement of the policy.
“At the time that order was given, enforcement was ongoing. The court said the status quo should be maintained. In fact, the court specifically stated that the request to stop enforcement would not be granted at that point. So maintaining the status quo meant that enforcement should continue,” Hundeyin added.
The police spokesperson further clarified that the earlier suspension of the policy in October 2025 was not based on any court directive but followed consultations between the Inspector-General of Police and the NBA.
“That suspension was not based on any court order. It was a decision taken by the IGP after listening to concerns and appeals, particularly from the NBA,” he said.
Hundeyin noted that no timeline was attached to the suspension, adding that the police had hoped the ongoing court case would be concluded within the period.
“When we announced the suspension, we did not say it would last until a specific date. We simply suspended it to allow Nigerians regularise their documents and to await the outcome of the court case,” he stated.
Explaining the decision to resume enforcement, Hundeyin said the prolonged legal process had created security loopholes that criminal elements were exploiting.
He cited a recent incident in Benin City, Edo State, where a police officer was killed after officers attempted to stop a fully tinted vehicle.
“Just about two weeks ago in Edo State, officers tried to stop a Lexus SUV with fully tinted windows. The occupants refused to stop, a chase ensued, and when the vehicle was eventually stopped, the occupants opened fire. An inspector of police was killed instantly,” he said.
According to him, the use of fully tinted vehicles had made it easier for criminals to conceal weapons and carry out attacks.
“The mandate of the police is to protect life and property. We cannot fold our arms and watch criminals exploit this gap,” Hundeyin said.
On the NBA’s threat of contempt action, Hundeyin said the police would respond appropriately once formally served with court papers.
“We have not been served with any court papers. Once we are served, our Legal Directorate will respond accordingly. Until then, we will not act on hearsay,” he said.
Addressing concerns over revenue from the tinted glass permit process, Hundeyin said the current system is fully digital and hosted on a secure government platform, unlike the old manual process.
“This system is entirely online and stores sensitive personal data, including biometrics. Maintaining such a database requires advanced security infrastructure, which does not come cheap,” he explained.
He added that the fees charged are used to sustain the technology, security certificates, and database maintenance, not as a revenue-generating venture.
“It is about safety and security, not making money. The platform is a government website with a .gov.ng domain, which shows that it was duly approved and ratified by the Federal Government,” Hundeyin said.
The police maintained that the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy remains lawful and necessary for public safety.
