Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force yesterday appealed to Nigerians to accept its decision in collecting some amount of money for the processing of tinted-glass permit.
The Force said the processing fee is for the maintenance of the digital infrastructure deployed for this service, adding that every action in that regard is backed by the law, reports Daily Trust.
The spokesman of the Force, Benjamin Hundeyin, a Chief Superintendent of Police, made this plea in Abuja in reaction to the suit filed by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) against the Inpector General of Police (IGP).
The Police High Command had a few months ago re-introduced issuance of tinted-glass permit with a view to curbing rising security challenges in the country.
But not convinced with the re-introduction, the NBA dragged the IGP to court over tinted-glass permit policy, arguing that the IG and the Force flouted some laws.
Hundeyin said, “It is pertinent to set the records straight to avoid misinformation to the good citizens of Nigeria on the legality of the issuance of tinted permits by the Police.
“Section 2(3a) of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004 empowers the Inspector-General of Police or any person duly authorised by him to grant or approve the permit.
“Furthermore, Section 1(2) of the same Act provides that an applicant must show good cause either on health grounds or for security reasons before the use of tinted glass can be approved.
“The essence of this regulation is consistent with the core mandate of the Police to prevent crimes, as the permit is a critical tool for curbing violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, terrorism, and one chance operations.
“In the same vein, it is important to clarify that the charges attached to the acquisition of the permit are purely processing fee and for the maintenance of the digital infrastructure deployed for this service.
“This is well within the law as provided for under Section 26(e) and (f) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which empowers the Police to render specialised services to the public at a fee.
“It is worthy to put on record that the Force has recorded commendable and significant successes with the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR), through which numerous stolen vehicles have been traced and recovered across the country, a feat made possible by the modernised police specialised services in line with global best practices.
“The Nigeria Police wishes to unequivocally assure the public that the alleged claims by individuals and groups that the tinted permit policy is not legal, transparent and constitutionally valid are not only untrue and misleading but also a calculated attempt to cast aspersions on the image, integrity, and lawful operations of the Force.
“The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun reiterates the unflinching commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“He further reassures the public of the Force’s steadfast dedication to professionalism, the relentless pursuit of a safer and more secure nation for all and above all, transparency.”
