WARRI: The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to suspend their renewed enforcement of tinted glass permits for vehicle owners.
Delivering an interim ruling on Friday in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, the court directed the police to maintain the status quo and respect judicial processes pending further proceedings.
The case was instituted by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is challenging the legality of the scheme.
Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, the petitioner argued that the enforcement exposes motorists to harassment, extortion, and exploitation despite many vehicles coming factory-fitted with tinted windows.
The ruling comes months after the police announced the resumption of tinted glass permit issuance in April under the Police Specialized Services Automation Project, after halting it in 2022. The Inspector-General had initially set an August 12 deadline for compliance, later extending it to October 2.
While the Police maintain that the policy is backed by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and necessary for national security, rights groups insist it violates constitutional freedoms.
Only last week, the Delta State Police Command announced it would commence full enforcement of the regulations from October 2, pledging professionalism and zero tolerance for abuse. The Command also reiterated its ban on unauthorized sirens, revolving lights, and defaced number plates.
The interim suspension is now expected to halt the crackdown, at least until the court reaches a substantive decision.
