The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to suspend their ongoing enforcement of the controversial tinted glass permit for motorists.
The interim ruling, delivered on Friday, directs the police authorities to “maintain the status quo and respect judicial processes” pending the determination of a lawsuit challenging the legality of the policy.
The suit, marked FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, was filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force. Aikpokpo-Martins is seeking judicial interpretation on whether the enforcement of the tinted permit, recently reintroduced by the police, is constitutional.
Confirming the court’s decision, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, who leads the legal team for the plaintiff, described the order as “a significant victory for the rule of law” and an important step in preventing potential rights abuses while the substantive case is heard.
The police had in April 2025 resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, nearly three years after suspending the scheme in 2022.
The move sparked public backlash, with many motorists accusing security operatives of harassment, extortion, and selective enforcement, particularly in cases involving factory-fitted tinted windows.
IGP Egbetokun initially set an August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain the permits, later extending it to October 2. The police justified the policy under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, citing national security considerations.
However, human rights groups and civil society organisations dismissed the enforcement as unconstitutional, arguing that it amounts to economic exploitation of vehicle owners.
In defiance of growing criticism, the Delta State Police Command last week announced plans to commence statewide enforcement from October 2, promising professionalism, respect for constitutional rights, and “zero tolerance for abuse.”
The command also vowed to crack down on the unauthorised use of sirens, revolving lights, and the defacing of number plates.
The case is expected to set a major legal precedent on the limits of police regulatory powers over motorists in Nigeria.
