Police Halt Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement After Court Order

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The Nigeria Police Force has suspended enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy across the country, following an interim injunction issued by the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), SP Josephine Adeh, the suspension takes effect immediately and is to remain in place pending the determination of the substantive suit challenging the legality of the permit regime.

The decision follows an interim court order granted by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins.

The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to halt all enforcement activities related to the permit system and to maintain the status quo until the matter is fully heard and determined.

The court further granted leave to the applicant to serve the respondents via substituted means due to the urgency of the case.

Background to the Policy

The tinted glass permit policy was reintroduced by the police in 2025 as part of the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP).

Under the scheme, vehicle owners with tinted windows, including factory-fitted ones, are required to register and obtain a permit at the cost of ₦14,200 annually.

The police had earlier given a compliance deadline of October 2, 2025, after extending the initial enforcement date from August.

Enforcement activities, including stops at checkpoints and vehicle impoundments, had resumed in several states prior to the court’s intervention.

Legal Challenge and Court Ruling

The suit filed by Aikpokpo-Martins argues that the enforcement of tinted glass permits is unconstitutional, particularly where the tint is factory-installed and not altered by the vehicle owner.

The applicant also contended that the permit requirement infringes on the rights of citizens and facilitates unlawful harassment by security personnel.

In response, the court issued an interim injunction suspending enforcement and restraining police officers from stopping or arresting drivers based solely on the issue of tinted windows.

The case is expected to return to court in the coming weeks for full hearing.

Compliance by Police Authorities

Despite initial hesitation by some police units, the Force Headquarters and FCT Command have now confirmed adherence to the court order. In her statement, SP Adeh said:

“In compliance with the Federal High Court ruling, the FCT Police Command will cease all activities related to the enforcement of tinted glass permits until further notice.”

However, reports from several states, including Delta, Katsina, and Edo, indicate that some officers continued enforcement actions after the injunction, raising concerns about inconsistent application of the court directive across state commands.

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The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had earlier stated that the police had not been officially served with the court order and that full compliance would follow due process once served.

What’s Ahead

The suspension remains in effect until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the legality of the permit requirement.

Legal experts note that the outcome of the case could have broader implications for security-related policies implemented without clear legislative backing.

Motorists are advised to stay updated on developments, avoid confrontation at checkpoints, and retain valid vehicle documentation while the case proceeds.

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