A Delta State High Court has delivered a significant legal blow to the Nigeria Police Force's plan to resume enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy across the country. In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the court issued an ex-parte injunction effectively putting the controversial policy on hold.
Court Order Restrains Police Chief and Force
The presiding judge, Honourable Justice Joe Egwu of the High Court sitting in the Orogun Judicial Division, granted the order. It specifically restrains the Inspector General of Police and the entire Nigeria Police Force from proceeding with the planned nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy.
This judicial intervention came after a suit was filed by a resident of Delta State, Mr. Israel Joe, who legally challenged both the legality and the proposed manner of the policy's enforcement. Mr. Joe was represented by a legal team led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun.
Protection from Harassment and Extortion
In its ruling, the court went beyond merely suspending the permit policy. It explicitly barred police officers from harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting motorists and other citizens under the pretext of enforcing the tinted glass rules.
The court held that, "The respondents are hereby restrained from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy or interfering with the rights of citizens on account of the said policy." This interim injunction is to remain in force pending the hearing and final determination of the substantive suit filed by Mr. Joe.
Police Announcement Effectively Suspended
This court order directly contradicts and halts a recent announcement from the Nigeria Police Force. The police, through the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, had declared that enforcement of the tinted glass permit would resume nationwide from Friday, January 2, 2026.
The police cited growing security concerns as the rationale for the planned resumption. However, this announcement was made despite the matter already being subject to ongoing legal proceedings.
Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who disclosed the court's ruling on social media, described it as a crucial step to protect citizens from potential abuse. He confirmed that "the police announcement on the resumption of enforcement has been put on hold" by this court order.
The case remains pending, and the final outcome regarding the legality of the tinted glass permit policy will be decided after the substantive application is fully heard and determined by the court. For now, any nationwide enforcement is legally suspended.
