The Nigeria Police Force has stated that it has not received any judgment or court order directing it to stop enforcing the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, contrary to reports of a suit reportedly filed by Mr. Olukunle Edun, SAN.
On Wednesday, a Delta State High Court issued an ex parte injunction restraining the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force from resuming enforcement of the tinted glass policy nationwide. Justice Joe Egwu also barred the police from harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting motorists due to the policy.
The order followed a suit filed by Mr. Israel Joe, through his legal team led by Kunle Edun (SAN), after the police announced the resumption of enforcement, which had been suspended in October.
In a statement on Friday, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police only became aware of the judgment through media reports and have not received official court processes. He added that the Force would review the judgment with legal advisers and comply with any lawful directive once properly served.
“The Force is aware, through media reports, that Mr. Olukunle Edun has allegedly instituted a fresh suit at the High Court of Delta State, Orerokpe Division, despite the pendency of other related suits before the Federal High Court.
The Nigeria Police Force has not been served with any processes in respect of this alleged action. Upon service, the Force will review same with its legal advisers and take all lawful steps available,” Hundeyin said.
The Force also addressed claims by the Nigerian Bar Association that the tinted glass policy is arbitrary and revenue-driven, insisting that it is grounded in law and guided by public safety.
“The regulation of vehicle tinted glass is not a discretionary or arbitrary policy. The Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004, is an Act of the National Assembly.
Section 2(3)(a) vests the Inspector-General of Police with authority to issue permits, while Section 1(2) requires applicants to establish legitimate security or health-related justification,” Hundeyin said.
He also dismissed allegations that funds from the permit project were deposited into private accounts. Parkway Projects Limited, he explained, is a Central Bank of Nigeria-licensed payment service provider engaged to process payments according to government procedures.
Hundeyin added that enforcement of the tinted glass policy was previously suspended voluntarily following engagements with stakeholders, including the NBA, and not because of any court order.
