The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, insisting that there is no court order declaring it unlawful or permanently restraining the police from enforcing it.

In a statement on Wednesday signed by Benjamin Hundeyin, the force said its response followed “recent public discussions” on the policy, particularly comments by the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The police recently announced that enforcement of the policy would resume on January 2, 2026, citing a rise in vehicle-related crimes, but the NBA accused the force of flouting a court order.

According to the NPF, it was necessary to “provide institutional clarity in a manner that reassures the public, affirms respect for the rule of law, and preserves public order”.

“The Inspector-General of Police has reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains unwavering in its respect for the judiciary,” the statement said.

It added that the force would “comply fully with all valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction” and would not undermine ongoing judicial proceedings.

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“At the same time, it is important to clarify that 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,” it said.

The police said 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 regulating tinted vehicle glasses.

The statement added that the policy remains part of the regulatory framework for road safety and national security, and assured Nigerians that enforcement would be carried out with “professionalism, moderation, and strict adherence to human rights standards”.