THE Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to suspend enforcement of the controversial tinted glass permit for vehicle owners.
The interim ruling, delivered on Friday a copy obtained by News Point Nigeria, came as the court began hearing Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins against the IGP and the Police Force.
The presiding judge directed the police authorities to “maintain the status quo and respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, who led the legal team for the applicant, described the order as a victory for the rule of law.
“This is a major step in ensuring that constitutional rights are not trampled upon while the substantive issues in this case are being determined,” Edun told journalists after the court session.
The Nigeria Police Force had announced in April 2025 that it was resuming the issuance of tinted glass permits nationwide through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP). The scheme was suspended in 2022 following public outcry over abuse of enforcement by officers.
Under the revived policy, motorists were mandated to apply online and obtain permits by August 12, 2025. The deadline was later extended by IGP Kayode Egbetokun to October 2, 2025, after widespread complaints from motorists.
The Force defended the policy as lawful, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns, including its role in combating crimes committed with obscured vehicle windows.
However, motorists and rights groups strongly opposed the move, arguing that it was unconstitutional, discriminatory against factory-fitted tinted vehicles, and a tool for harassment and extortion at checkpoints.
The lawsuit followed an announcement by the Delta State Police Command that it would commence full enforcement of the tinted glass permit regulations beginning Thursday, October 2, 2025.
In its statement, the Command insisted that the exercise would be carried out “professionally, with respect for constitutional rights and zero tolerance for abuse.”
The Command also reiterated its readiness to enforce bans on the unauthorised use of sirens, strobe lights, and the defacing of number plates.
In his originating summons, Aikpokpo-Martins asked the court to determine whether the police had the constitutional authority to demand permits from Nigerians driving vehicles with factory-fitted tinted glass.
The petitioner further argued that such enforcement amounted to “double taxation, exploitation, and violation of the right to free movement.”
While the substantive case continues, the court’s interim suspension of enforcement is expected to bring relief to millions of vehicle owners across the country.