Police
By Olayiwola Mercy
The Nigeria Police Force has suspended the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permits following a court order from the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State. The court directed the police to halt enforcement across the country, pending further proceedings in the matter. According to the police spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, SP Josephine Adeh, the decision to suspend enforcement came after the police officially received the court order.
Adeh explained that the police are not against the court and will wait for the verdict, emphasizing that the police are enforcers of the law, not the lawmakers. The police had announced plans to require vehicle owners to apply for and obtain annual motor tinted glass permits, citing security reasons. The policy was introduced to curb the use of tinted vehicles in criminal activities, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify suspects.
The suspension of enforcement follows a lawsuit filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins, a lawyer challenging the legality of the policy. The court’s interim order directed the police authorities to maintain the status quo and respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter. The police have confirmed receipt of the court order and have temporarily suspended enforcement, pending the outcome of the ongoing legal process.
The police had initially set a deadline for motorists to obtain the permits, but the suspension has put the enforcement on hold. The development has brought relief to many motorists who were concerned about the implications of the policy. The case highlights the ongoing debate about the balance between security measures and individual rights in Nigeria.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured that it will respect the court’s decision and wait for the verdict. The suspension of enforcement allows vehicle owners to operate their vehicles without fear of penalty, pending the court’s final decision. The outcome of the case will have implications for the enforcement of similar policies in the future .
