Court orders suspension of Police tinted glass permit enforcement

The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of tinted glass permits for vehicle owners.

The court issued the interim order on Friday, directing the police and the IGP to maintain the status quo and respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025. The suit was filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit enforcement.

Senior Advocate Kunle Edun, SAN, who led the petitioner’s legal team, described the court’s directive as a major step in upholding the rule of law while the substantive issues are determined.

The tinted glass permit policy had reignited public debate after the Nigeria Police Force resumed issuing permits nationwide in April through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project. The scheme was previously suspended in 2022.

Motorists had raised concerns over harassment and possible extortion at checkpoints, arguing that demanding permits even for factory-fitted tinted windows was unfair. The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, had initially set an August 12 deadline for compliance, later extended to October 2.

The Police defended the policy, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns. Rights groups, however, called it unconstitutional and exploitative.

Prior to the court ruling, the Delta State Police had announced it would begin full enforcement of the tinted glass regulations from Thursday, October 2, 2025, promising operations would be conducted professionally, with respect for constitutional rights, and zero tolerance for abuse.

The Command also reminded drivers to carry valid vehicle documents, including driver’s license, insurance, and proof of ownership, and urged cooperation with officers during lawful stop-and-search procedures.