The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a strict zero-tolerance policy against any forms of extortion, harassment, or abuse of authority by its personnel, particularly in relation to the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy.
In a recent statement, Egbetokun emphasized that the Force will adhere to all valid court orders and will not take actions that could undermine ongoing judicial processes. He noted that, as of now, there is no final court ruling declaring the tinted glass policy unlawful, nor any existing order that prevents the police from carrying out their statutory duties concerning the regulation of tinted vehicle glasses.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer, added that any officer found engaging in misconduct related to extortion or harassment would face appropriate disciplinary actions in line with established procedures. He cautioned against generalizing isolated instances of individual misconduct to tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force as an institution.
The statement further clarified that while civic engagement is crucial in a democratic society, it is essential to provide clarity regarding the police’s role and responsibilities. The Nigeria Police Force, established under the Constitution, is mandated to maintain public safety, prevent crime, and ensure internal security, operating within the law and under civil authority.
Egbetokun underscored the importance of the judiciary, asserting that the police will comply with all legal orders and that the existence of pending litigation does not nullify their lawful responsibilities unless explicitly directed by a court. He reiterated that the tinted glass policy remains a part of the regulatory framework aimed at ensuring road safety and national security, and that operational decisions regarding enforcement will be made within the bounds of the law and subject to judicial oversight.
The statement also highlighted that the misuse of heavily tinted vehicles has been linked to serious crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, thus underscoring the necessity of regulating tinted vehicle glasses as a legitimate security concern.
