A Delta State High Court has issued a significant order restraining the Nigeria Police Force from proceeding with its planned nationwide enforcement of tinted glass permits for vehicles. This legal intervention comes as a direct response to the police's announcement to resume the controversial policy starting January 2, 2026.
Court Order and Legal Proceedings
Presiding Judge Justice Joe Egwu of the Delta State High Court in Orerokpe delivered the ruling on a motion ex parte. The suit, marked HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, was filed by Mr. Isreal Joe against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and two other respondents. The applicant was represented by a legal team led by senior advocate Kunle Edun (SAN).
In his ruling, Justice Egwu explicitly restrained, stopped, and barred the respondents from resuming the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy across Nigeria. The order specifically names the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police for Delta State.
Protection for Citizens and Motorists
The court order goes beyond merely halting the policy's enforcement. Justice Egwu also barred the police from harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting citizens and motorists on account of the tinted glass permit policy. This protection is to remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.
This interim measure provides immediate relief to vehicle owners across the country who were facing the prospect of police action based on the announced resumption date.
Escalating Dispute with the Nigerian Bar Association
The court case has reignited an ongoing dispute between the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). The NBA has consistently maintained that the legality of the tinted glass permit policy remains a matter before the courts.
The association revealed that a separate suit challenging the constitutionality of the policy is already before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Hearings in that case have concluded, and a judgment has been reserved. The NBA also cited a Federal High Court order in Warri that directed parties to maintain the status quo pending an interlocutory injunction.
In strong terms, the NBA has accused the police of disregarding the rule of law by attempting to enforce a policy still under judicial scrutiny. The legal body has warned that any enforcement could constitute contempt of court and has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the matter.
The Delta State High Court's order represents a major legal setback for the police's planned enforcement drive. It underscores the judiciary's role in checking executive power and protecting citizens' rights from potentially overreaching policies. All parties now await the hearing of the substantive suit, which will determine the final legality of the tinted glass permit regime in Nigeria.
