The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police from enforcing the controversial tinted glass permit for motorists, pending the determination of a suit challenging its legality.
In its interim order on Friday, the court directed the police authorities to maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”
The case, marked Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, was filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force. The petitioner is asking the court to determine the legality and constitutionality of the revived enforcement regime.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, who led Aikpokpo-Martins’ legal team, confirmed the interim ruling to journalists, 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.”
In April, the Nigeria Police Force announced it had resumed issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022. The policy reignited public criticism, with motorists alleging harassment and extortion at checkpoints, especially over factory-fitted tinted windows.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had initially fixed an August 12 deadline for motorists to obtain the permits before extending it to October 2. The Police defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns.
Rights groups and civil society organisations, however, insist that the measure is unconstitutional and amounts to exploitation of vehicle owners.
Just last week, the Delta State Police Command announced plans to commence full enforcement of the tinted glass regulation across the state from October 2, 2025, in line with federal directives. The Command pledged professionalism, respect for rights, and zero tolerance for abuse during the operation. It also vowed to enforce the ban on unauthorised sirens, revolving lights, and defaced number plates.
Meanwhile, with the new court order, the enforcement drive has been put on hold—at least until the substantive suit is heard.