NBA asks Tinubu to call IGP to order over tinted glass permit enforcement
Lawyers’ association expresses concern over police violation of rights
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has made a formal appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to call the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to order regarding the enforcement of rules on tinted glass permits.
The NBA expressed deep concern that the current enforcement of these regulations by police officers nationwide constitutes a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights and often leads to widespread harassment. The body of lawyers emphasized the urgent need for executive intervention to halt the perceived abuse of power.
IGP’s directive and its questionable legality
The core of the NBA’s concern lies in the apparent contradiction between the IGP’s directive on tinted glass permits and existing legal provisions. The NBA noted that the police have often insisted on citizens producing a permit for tinted vehicle glass, a requirement that has been subject to legal controversy. This insistence has created an environment of tension and potential corruption at checkpoints across the country.
The association highlighted that the police’s persistent enforcement efforts often bypass due process and established legal standards. The NBA argued that the power to issue such permits has, in the past, been either suspended or legally questioned. Consequently, its arbitrary enforcement now amounts to an illegal imposition on vehicle owners.
Allegations of harassment and constitutional breaches
The NBA detailed several instances where the aggressive enforcement of the tinted glass permit rule has led to the gross harassment of citizens. Police personnel often use the lack of a permit as a pretext to stop, search, and intimidate motorists. This practice, the lawyers argue, fundamentally violates citizens’ rights to freedom of movement and dignity.
The association stressed that constitutional provisions protect citizens from arbitrary searches and seizures without lawful cause. The NBA insists that a policy or directive, even from the IGP, cannot supersede the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. The appeal to President Tinubu is a request for the Executive to uphold the rule of law.
The role of the president as chief law enforcer
The NBA recognized President Tinubu’s constitutional role as the chief law enforcer of the federation. Therefore, the association believes that the President is the appropriate authority to intervene and ensure that all state security institutions operate strictly within the confines of the law. Calling the IGP to order is seen as a necessary step to restore sanity and accountability within the police force.
The lawyers urged the President to issue a clear directive to the IGP to cease the enforcement of the tinted glass permit rule until a clear and legally sound framework is established. This decisive intervention is necessary, they argue, to prevent the continuation of arbitrary enforcement that has become a source of public discontent. The NBA is championing the cause of legal clarity and human rights protection.
Conclusion: restoring public trust and police accountability
The NBA’s appeal is a critical move toward restoring public trust in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and promoting police accountability. The association advocates for a police service that is professional, respectful of citizens’ rights, and fully compliant with the laws of the land. The current enforcement practices are viewed as detrimental to the police’s image and mission.
The resolution of the tinted glass permit controversy will be a test of the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting civil liberties. The NBA remains resolute in its demand for a security structure that prioritizes constitutional rights over convenience or discretionary enforcement. The ball is now in the President’s court to address the lawyers’ concerns and ensure the IGP acts lawfully.
