The enforcement of tinted glass permits by the Nigeria Police Force has been suspended following an interim order of the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State.
In a ruling on Friday, the court directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force to “maintain the status quo” and respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the case.
The order came in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is challenging the legality of the renewed enforcement of tinted glass permits.
Confirming the development, Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who led the applicant’s legal team, told journalists that the directive was “a significant step towards upholding the rule of law while the substantive issues are being addressed.”
The Nigeria Police Force had in April resumed nationwide issuance of tinted glass permits through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP), after suspending the scheme in 2022. The move reignited public criticism, with motorists raising concerns over alleged harassment at checkpoints and questioning the fairness of requiring permits for factory-fitted tinted windows.
Although the IGP initially set a deadline of August 12, 2025, for compliance, it was later extended to October 2. The Police have defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security considerations.
Rights groups, however, argue that the requirement is unconstitutional, exploitative, and discriminatory.
Just days before the court’s ruling, the Delta State Police Command had announced plans to begin “full enforcement” of tinted glass regulations across the state from October 2. The Command assured the public that the operation would be carried out with professionalism and “zero tolerance for abuse,” while also reiterating its commitment to enforcing bans on unauthorised sirens, revolving or strobe lights, and the obstruction of number plates.
Meanwhile, Force Spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin announced via his X handle that 25 vehicles were impounded in Asaba during the enforcement drive. He wrote: “Enforcement of tint permits: twenty-five vehicles impounded for driving a tinted vehicle without a tinted permit in Asaba. Visit the @POSSAP_NGG website today and get it done at your police state headquarters.”
The case continues as motorists, rights advocates, and security agencies await the court’s final decision on the constitutionality of the policy.
