The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police from enforcing the recently reintroduced tinted glass permit, pending the resolution of a legal challenge questioning its validity. The case was instituted by human rights lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, who contended that the police acted outside the scope of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991. According to him, the law only empowers authorities to issue permits for clearly defined reasons, such as medical or security needs, and does not support the blanket enforcement now being pursued nationwide. He argued that the policy infringes on citizens’ constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement while also creating opportunities for harassment by law enforcement officers. The tinted glass permit, which was revived through the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) portal, had officially come into force on October 2, 2025, following months of extension from its initial grace period. The police justified the initiative as a security measure, citing the use of vehicles with opaque windows by criminals to evade detection and carry out illicit activities. Despite these justifications, the policy has faced widespread criticism. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), along with several civil society organisations, has consistently opposed the move, describing it as unconstitutional and marred by a lack of transparency. The NBA separately filed a case in Abuja, raising concerns over permit fees, accessibility, and potential abuse on Nigerian roads. The association further warned the police against undermining judicial authority, threatening contempt proceedings if enforcement continued despite pending lawsuits. The controversy escalated when reports emerged of police officers impounding vehicles in Delta State during enforcement operations, including one belonging to a judge of the National Industrial Court. The incident drew condemnation from lawyers and rights advocates, prompting the NBA to offer pro bono legal services to affected motorists. By granting the interim order, the Warri court has effectively suspended the enforcement of the policy, leaving millions of motorists across the country in uncertainty. Analysts note that the ruling has thrown the policy into legal limbo and intensified national debate over whether the police have the legal backing to reintroduce the scheme. Legal experts say the ongoing cases will provide an important test of statutory interpretation, particularly on the limits of police powers and the constitutional safeguards protecting citizens. Until the substantive issues are resolved in court, the enforcement of the tinted glass permit remains on hold, setting the stage for a decisive legal battle in the weeks ahead.
