The Nigeria Police Force has issued a detailed rebuttal to criticisms from Nigerian Bar Association President Mazi Afam Osigwe over its Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit policy, emphasizing its legal foundation and security rationale. Signed by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin on December 19, 2025, the statement corrects alleged misrepresentations and reaffirms commitment to constitutional governance under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. This response follows heightened public debate and recent court interventions challenging enforcement.
Legal Basis and Police Authority
The policy stems from the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation 2004, an Act of the National Assembly—not a military decree as claimed by Osigwe. Section 2(3)(a) empowers the Inspector-General to issue permits, while Section 1(2) mandates applicants prove security or health needs, targeting crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery facilitated by obscured vehicles. Police clarified that enforcement addresses national security amid Nigeria’s crime challenges, not arbitrary discretion.
Rejection of Revenue Claims
Authorities denied portraying the policy as revenue-driven, noting the Nigeria Police Force lacks such mandate but may receive incidental funds per Section 26(1)(f) of the Police Act 2020. Administrative fees sustain the digital platform under the 2022 Police Specialized Services Automation Project, approved by Federal Executive Council via Public-Private Partnership with Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission. Payments route through CBN-licensed Parkway Projects Limited, akin to Remita, using transaction identifiers—not private accounts—as alleged.
Digital System and Improvements
Applications process online at possap.gov.ng with security vetting, standardizing nationwide procedures and curbing past extortion risks. Reactivated in April 2025 with a 30-day grace period from May 1, the system integrates innovations for better policing. Fees exclusively fund infrastructure, data security, and workflows, enhancing efficiency over manual processes.
Court Cases and Enforcement Stance
No restraining order exists against enforcement; a Federal High Court in Warri refused an interim injunction, and earlier suspension was voluntary goodwill post-NBA talks, not judicial mandate. Pending suits include FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 (judgment reserved) and FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, plus a fresh Delta State High Court Orerokpe case (HOR/FHR/M/31/2025) granting interim restraint on December 17, 2025, though police report non-service. Police pledge measured, rights-compliant action, sanctioning errant officers, while decrying misuse of platforms for personal agendas.
Broader Security and Public Call
Heavily tinted vehicles hinder surveillance and aid criminals, justifying regulation despite minority elite preferences. The Force prioritizes majority safety, urges calm discourse, and respects judicial processes as courts deliberate. IGP Egbetokun underscores professionalism and rights protection in modernization efforts.
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