Legal Challenges Against Tinted Glass Enforcement in Nigeria
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns over the continued enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy by police officers, despite a court order that prohibits such actions. This issue has sparked widespread public outrage and legal scrutiny.
Court Order and Police Response
The Public Interest Litigation Committee of the NBA, led by Olukunle Edun (SAN), confirmed that the police had been served with all necessary court processes in the ongoing lawsuit against them. The case, titled John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force, was filed at the Federal High Court, Warri, under Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025.
A court granted an interim injunction to stop the police from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy until the case is resolved. However, there were conflicting reports about whether the police had received the court documents. On October 4, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, claimed that the police had not been formally served. But on Wednesday, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, confirmed that the Force had indeed received the court processes and had suspended enforcement.
Online Process and Alleged Misconduct
Adeh clarified that the registration and payment for tinted glass permits were conducted online, with all fees remitted directly to the government’s Treasury Single Account. She emphasized that the police only verified documents and did not handle the money.
Despite this, several motorists have reported incidents of harassment. In Calabar, Cross River State, journalist John Osakwe described how his vehicle was impounded by police officers who demanded a N30,000 permit for his front glass. He claimed that the officer snatched his keys and acted on orders from above. His car was only released after he contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Irene Ugbo, who intervened.
Another motorist, Mr. Edem Udofia, said his bus was seized because the factory-fitted glass was deemed “too dark.” Udofia expressed deep concern, stating that the bus was his only source of income. If he does not get it back, his family will face hunger.
When contacted, DSP Ugbo urged motorists to ensure their documents were complete but did not confirm whether enforcement had been officially suspended in the state.
NBA’s Strong Stance
The NBA, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), condemned the police’s continued harassment of motorists. The association described the enforcement as illegal, contemptuous, and fraudulent, vowing to seek redress.
“The police are not a revenue-generating agency. The money being demanded to secure a permit is unconstitutional,” the NBA stated. “We shall invoke the powers of the court to ensure that the police do not trample on the rights of Nigerians.”
The association warned that any citizen harassed under the guise of tinted glass enforcement could contact any of its 130 branches for free legal representation.
Financial Implications
SPIDEL estimated that the police could be generating about ₦3 billion monthly from the so-called permit, transforming the Force into “a revenue agency rather than a law enforcement body.” This has raised serious questions about the legality and intent behind the policy.
In its originating summons, the NBA asked the court to determine whether the police have the statutory authority to enforce mandatory registration or renewal of tinted glass permits, impose fees or charges for such permits without an enabling Act of the National Assembly, or seize and detain vehicles for alleged violations of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991.
The NBA also urged the court to declare the 1991 Decree null and void, arguing that it is inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution’s provisions on fundamental rights. It further sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the police from further arresting, extorting, or harassing motorists over tinted glass.
