The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has restrained the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from enforcing the controversial tinted glass permit regulation, pending the determination of a suit challenging its legality.
The interim order, issued on Friday in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, directs the police authorities to maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”
The case was filed by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins, who is asking the court to determine whether the renewed enforcement of tinted glass permits is lawful.
Confirming the development, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, who led the petitioner’s legal team, said: “The directive is a major step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive issues in the case are being determined.”
The dispute follows the police’s April announcement that it had resumed nationwide issuance of tinted glass permits through the Police Specialised Services Automation Project, after suspending the scheme in 2022. The directive, initially set for full enforcement by August 12 but later extended to October 2, drew sharp criticism from motorists and rights groups, who argued that it encourages harassment, extortion, and unconstitutional restrictions on vehicle owners—especially those with factory-fitted tinted windows.
Police authorities, however, defended the move, citing the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991 and national security concerns.
Only last week, the Delta State Police Command declared it would begin full enforcement of the regulation in line with federal directives, warning motorists to comply. The Command also reiterated its commitment to clamp down on the unauthorised use of sirens, strobe lights, and defaced or obstructed number plates.
With the new court order, however, the enforcement exercise will remain on hold until the legal challenge is resolved.