By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has commended some of its officers for rejecting a ₦200,000 bribe allegedly offered by a motorist who was stopped over the use of tinted glass without the required permit.
The Command, in a statement issued on Monday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the officers instead directed the motorist to either remove the unauthorized tint from the vehicle or obtain the appropriate permit where applicable.
The development, according to the Command, shows the need for motorists to comply with regulations governing the use of tinted-glass vehicles and desist from attempting to evade lawful enforcement through inducements to police personnel.
The Police said motorists using tinted-glass vehicles are required to obtain the appropriate permit in line with extant regulations, explaining that the requirement is primarily intended to support public safety, security and effective policing.
The Command noted that tinted windows can make it difficult for security personnel to see the occupants of a vehicle during routine checks and other security operations, making proper regulation necessary from a policing standpoint.
It, however, stressed that the requirement is not intended to harass or inconvenience law-abiding motorists.
Vehicle owners who do not wish to obtain a tinted-glass permit, the Command said, can simply have the tint removed from their vehicles.
The Police described the officers’ rejection of the ₦200,000 offered by the motorist as an example of the professional conduct expected from personnel serving under the leadership of the new Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips.
The Command also used the incident to send a warning to motorists against offering money or other inducements to police officers in an attempt to avoid lawful enforcement.
At the same time, the Police made it clear that the responsibility for maintaining integrity during enforcement is not one-sided, urging members of the public to report any officer who demands money in connection with tinted-glass enforcement or any other police duty.
According to the Command, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against any officer found culpable.
The report is coming shortly after CP Nnanna Oji Ama assumed duty as the new Commissioner of Police in the State, with the new police leadership already emphasizing professionalism, public trust and zero tolerance for extortion.
The Command said it remained committed to building a police service that is professional, accountable and people-oriented, while working with Ndi Anambra and other stakeholders to sustain security and public order across the State.
It consequently advised motorists and vehicle owners to familiarize themselves with the applicable requirements and ensure that their vehicles comply with the regulations, rather than attempting to circumvent enforcement.
