Federal High Court Stops Police from Enforcing Compulsory Tinted Glass Permit Across Nigeria

By Editor Daily Fact

The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, has issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from enforcing the compulsory acquisition of tinted glass permits for vehicle owners across the country.

The order was granted in a case with suit number FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by a Delta-based lawyer, Barrister John Aikpokpo-Martins, who challenged the legality and constitutionality of the police directive mandating motorists to obtain tinted glass licenses.

Delivering the ruling, Justice I.E. Ekwo directed the police authorities to maintain the status quo and desist from taking any further steps to compel motorists until the substantive suit is fully heard and determined.

The lead counsel to the applicant, Kunle Edun (SAN), confirmed the court’s decision, describing it as “a landmark victory for the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ rights.” He emphasized that no security agency, including the police, has the authority to impose policies that infringe upon the rights of Nigerians without proper legal backing.

Before the court order, reports indicated that police officers in several parts of the country—particularly in Lagos State—had already begun strict enforcement of the directive following the order of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who announced a full-scale implementation of the tinted glass permit regulation.

The enforcement had generated widespread criticism, with many motorists and civil rights groups arguing that the move was arbitrary and prone to abuse by law enforcement officers.

With the latest court injunction, the Nigeria Police Force is now legally barred from compelling motorists to obtain or present tinted glass permits until the ongoing case is resolved.

Legal analysts have described the ruling as a major precedent that reinforces judicial oversight over executive excesses and protects citizens from unlawful enforcement practices.