Police Clamp Down on Tinted Windows and Covered Number Plates

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced strict enforcement measures against vehicles with tinted windows and covered number plates in a bid to combat increasing criminal activities, including kidnapping.

In a statement posted on X.com late Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, issued a warning to vehicle owners in the FCT, urging them to remove tinted glass from their vehicles or face the risk of having their cars impounded. She emphasized, “For now, the use of tinted windows on vehicles is prohibited. If your vehicle has tinted windows, please remove them to avoid having your vehicle seized.”

This directive is part of broader efforts to address the rise in criminal activities, including the notorious “one chance” robbery scheme.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, reiterated the order during a parade of criminal suspects on Tuesday. In a video posted alongside the statement, he explained that many victims rescued from kidnappers had cited the use of tinted windows as a factor that concealed their distress, making it difficult for people to notice them. He also pointed out that criminals often use vehicles with covered or missing number plates to evade detection and carry out illegal activities.

“We are cracking down on all commercial vehicles and individuals with tinted windows,” Disu said. “We need to be able to see people in their cars. Tinted windows are contributing to lawlessness. Victims we’ve rescued have confirmed that tinted glass made it impossible for people to know they were in distress. Additionally, many criminals cover their number plates or fail to display them altogether.”

The Commissioner issued a firm warning, stating that the police will rigorously enforce laws concerning tinted windows, covered number plates, and unregistered vehicles. “Residents of the FCT should note that from now on, we will strictly enforce these laws. No one is allowed to tint their vehicles or cover their number plates. Vehicles without registration numbers will also be targeted, as these actions are commonly exploited by criminals to carry out robberies,” Disu stressed.

According to reports over 296 vehicles have already been impounded in the FCT since the enforcement began.