From Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
The Police in Calabar, Cross River State, have continued to harass drivers and impound vehicles over tinted glass permits, despite an interim court injunction restraining them from enforcing the policy.
Journalists who went out on Wednesday observed a team of about 15 policemen and traffic warders stationed in front of the popular Akim Police Station.
The officers were reportedly asking drivers for tinted glass permits and impounding vehicles with varying degrees of tinted glass.
One of the victims, John Osakwe, a journalist, narrated his ordeal, saying he was stopped while driving from the Stadium axis toward the police station.
“I parked and presented my papers, which were all complete, but one of the officers inspected my vehicle and said the front glass was different from the back glass and demanded a permit. I told him my vehicle glass is not tinted, but he insisted I needed a permit for factory-fitted tinted glass,” Osakwe said.
He added that the officer threatened to impound his car, claiming the vehicle’s glass was “a little dark,” even though it was clearly see-through.
“When I called DSP Irene Ugbo, the Police Public Relations Officer, she advised me to ensure my documents were complete and handed my phone to the officer. After a few minutes of discussion, my car key was returned, but the officer still demanded that I obtain a tinted glass permit from the police at a cost of ₦30,000,” he explained.
Another resident, Mr. Edem Udofia, also reported that his bus was impounded because the glass was considered dark, despite being factory-fitted. “I have not gone in yet. My family depends on this bus. If I don’t get it out today, it means there will be no food,” he said.
Commenting on the matter, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mba Ukweni stated that the police have no authority to impound vehicles over slightly tinted glass if the papers are in order and there is no incriminating material inside.
“The court has restrained the police from impounding vehicles or harassing drivers over tinted glasses. They must comply with the court order,” he said.
It will be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Warri had earlier issued an interim injunction restraining the police from implementing or enforcing the newly announced tinted glass permit policy, which was scheduled to commence on Monday, October 6.
