Court Stops Police Enforcement of Tinted Glass Permits

By OLuwakemi Kindness

The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of tinted glass permits for motorists.

In an interim ruling on Friday, the court directed the police to “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings” in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins.

Aikpokpo-Martins is challenging the legality of the police directive mandating permits for tinted vehicle windows. His legal team, led by Senior Advocate Kunle Edun, SAN, welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a major step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive issues in the case are being determined.”

Background to the Case

• In April, the Nigeria Police resumed issuance of tinted glass permits through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022.
• Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, initially set an August 12 deadline for compliance, later extending it to October 2.
• The move drew backlash from motorists and rights groups, who cited harassment at checkpoints and argued the policy was unconstitutional.
• The Police defended the directive under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, stressing national security concerns.

Delta Police Enforcement

Just last week, the Delta State Police Command announced plans to begin full enforcement of tinted glass regulations from October 2, 2025. It also reiterated bans on:

• unauthorised sirens and strobe lights,
• covering or defacing number plates.

Motorists were advised to carry valid documents including driver’s licence, insurance, and proof of ownership during stop-and-search operations.