The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately halt the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy and maintain the status quo pending further legal proceedings.
The ruling came on October 3, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the police authorities.
The court emphasized the importance of respecting judicial processes and warned that any violation of this order could be considered contempt of court.
This judgment suspends the ongoing nationwide enforcement exercise, which began just a day earlier on October 2, 2025.
Lawyer Kunle Edun, SAN, who led the legal representation for the petitioners, described the ruling as a significant victory that upholds the rule of law.
The Nigerian Bar Association’s Public Interest and Development Law section had earlier challenged the legality and constitutionality of the tinted glass permit system, arguing it infringed on motorists’ rights.
The police have maintained that the tinted glass permit policy is backed by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, declaring it essential for national security to prevent crimes like kidnappings and armed robberies.
They had set deadlines for vehicle owners to obtain permits, with fines and vehicle impoundment for violations, as enforcement began with several seized vehicles in states like Delta.
Despite the police’s stance, the legal battle highlights concerns over the transparency, legitimacy, and implementation of the tinted glass permit, reflecting tension between enforcement and motorists’ rights.
The court’s decision concludes that the policy enforcement should pause until the courts decide the substantive issues, underscoring the judiciary’s role in balancing state security measures and protecting constitutional freedoms.
