Court Directs Police to Maintain Status Quo on Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement

A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain the status quo in a case challenging the legality of the newly enforced tinted glass permit policy.

The suit, filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, questions the constitutional basis of the policy, particularly the imposition of fees and annual renewals on vehicle owners.

The court’s ruling follows the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) declaration to offer free legal support to motorists allegedly harassed by the police over the tinted permit. The NBA described the enforcement as “illegal” and primarily aimed at revenue generation.

Speaking on behalf of the NBA, Olukunle Edun (SAN), Chairman of the Public Interest Litigation Committee, said:

“We will use every legal avenue to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force respects the rights of Nigerians. Anyone who feels harassed under this policy should reach out to any NBA branch for pro bono legal assistance.”

Edun added that the police could potentially collect up to N3 billion monthly from the permit scheme, warning that such revenue-driven measures divert focus from genuine crime-fighting duties.

The NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law emphasized that the policy lacks constitutional backing and is inconsistent with citizens’ rights.