Abuja: Stop Harassing Motorists Over Tinted Glasses, Others, Reps Tell Police

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command to immediately halt the indiscriminate harassment of motorists and to release vehicles that have been impounded solely for violations related to tinted glasses and covered number plates in the nation’s capital, Abuja if there are no other infractions.

The Green Chamber also asked the FCT Police Command to issue a public notice granting a grace period of two weeks, during which vehicle owners can take necessary steps to comply with the regulations concerning tinted glasses and number plates.

These resolutions were sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Muktar Shagaya (APC, Kwara) at plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion, Shagaya noted

the recent directive by the FCT Police Command, enforcing a ban on vehicles with tinted glasses and covered number plates, as part of efforts to curb rising criminal activities such as kidnapping.

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He said while the intent of that directive is to enhance security within the FCT, the abrupt enforcement without adequate public notice has led to widespread harassment of motorists and significant inconvenience to law-abiding citizens.

The lawmaker expressed concern that the lack of sufficient time for vehicle owners to comply with the new regulations has resulted in numerous vehicles being impounded, causing undue hardship and potential economic losses to individuals and businesses.

Shagaya acknowledged the importance of security measures to protect citizens but emphasised that “such measures must be implemented in a manner that respects the rights of individuals and allows for reasonable compliance timelines.”

Adopting the motion, the House mandated the House Committee on Police Affairs to engage with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to develop clear guidelines for the enforcement of such directives in the future, ensuring that adequate public awareness and reasonable timelines are established prior to implementation.

It also directed the Federal Ministry of Information to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to launch a comprehensive public enlightenment campaign, informing citizens about the specifics of the regulations and the procedures for obtaining necessary permits or making required modifications to their vehicles.