Why IGP Banned Use of SPY Plate Number and Tinted Glasses

 

 

 

By Frank Oshanugor

 

 

The  Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman Baba Alkali is undoubtedly not the first IGP to notice the misuse of SPY plate numbers and tinted glass vehicles but he has  boldly taken step to ban for now, the use of both and his reason is that “several individuals have of late turned the use of SPY plate numbers and tinted glasses into a status symbol and have fraudulently obtained such.”

 

Addressing the strategic commanders of the Nigeria Police Force during his second conference which held on Monday in the Peace Keeping Hall at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Alkali said “there have also been reports that some criminal elements are using the SPY plate numbers and tinted glass vehicles as cover for their nefarious activities. Accordingly henceforth, the issuance of SPY plate numbers and tinted glass permits are hereby suspended.”

 

He added that “the existing authorizations are being reviewed and a protocol to regulate the issuance of such permits will be evolved.  In due course, a mechanism that will enforce the standardized process of issuance of SPY number plates and tinted glasses will be implemented across the country.”

 

Earlier in his speech, the police boss had explained that “for the avoidance of doubts, SPY plate numbers are for official use of some categories of corporate bodies while tinted glass permits are issued under some statutory regulations.”