Police Say Tinted Glass Memo Was Not Enforcement Order as NBA Moves to Sue Over Alleged Contempt

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The Nigeria Police Force has sought to clarify mounting controversy surrounding its Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy, insisting that a recent internal communication was misinterpreted and did not amount to a directive for immediate enforcement, even as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reportedly moves to institute contempt proceedings against the police over the matter.

In a statement released on Tuesday amid intense public debate, the police said the administrative communication issued on December 15 2025 was “intended solely to guide internal planning and enhance public understanding,” stressing that it “did not direct immediate enforcement actions, nor did it authorise conduct inconsistent with any subsisting court process.”

The Force added that the memo, which has drawn sharp criticism from civil society and legal practitioners, should not be construed as defiance of the courts.

According to the police, “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 further emphasised that “as of today, there is no final judicial pronouncement declaring the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy unlawful, nor is there any subsisting order permanently restraining the Nigeria Police Force from performing its statutory duties in relation to the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses.”

The Force reiterated that it operates within constitutional limits, noting that it is “established under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and statutorily charged with the responsibility of maintaining public safety, preventing crime, and preserving internal security.”

It said the Inspector General of Police had “reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its respect for the judiciary” and would “comply fully with all valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction.”

Anchoring its explanation on the disputed memo, the police stated categorically that the December 15 communication was not an enforcement trigger.

“Operational decisions relating to the timing and mode of enforcement remain within the lawful discretion of the Nigeria Police Force, exercised in accordance with the Constitution and subject to judicial oversight,” the statement said, adding that restraint shown by the Force pending court determination “should not 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 police also defended the continued relevance of the tinted glass policy, describing it as “part of the existing regulatory framework for road safety, crime prevention, and national security.”

It argued that “both globally and within Nigeria, the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been associated with serious crimes, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and other threats to public safety,” and insisted it therefore has “a duty to address such risks in a manner that is lawful, proportionate, and respectful of citizens’ rights.”

At the same time, the Force sought to allay fears of abuse, declaring that where enforcement is lawfully undertaken, it would be guided by “professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards.”

The Inspector General of Police, the statement added, maintains “a zero-tolerance stance towards extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority,” warning that “any officer found to have engaged in such conduct will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures.”

Despite these assurances, the controversy has escalated, with the Nigerian Bar Association reportedly preparing legal action against the police, accusing the Force of acting in contempt of court by reviving or signalling enforcement of the tinted glass policy while related suits remain pending.

The NBA is said to be challenging what it views as an attempt to sidestep judicial authority through administrative circulars, a claim the police firmly deny.

The police insisted that representations made by its lawyers before the courts were “made in good faith and accurately reflected the institutional position of the Force,” adding that it has exercised restraint “in deference to the primacy of the judicial process.”

For now, the clash sets the stage for a legal showdown that may determine not only the future of the tinted glass permit regime but also the limits of police discretion while matters are before the courts.

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