A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force to suspend its enforcement of tinted glass permits on vehicles, directing authorities to “maintain the status quo” pending further legal proceedings. The interim order followed a suit filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins challenging the permit’s legality (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025).
Senior Advocate Kunle Edun, SAN, representing Aikpokpo-Martins, hailed the court’s directive as significant for upholding the rule of law. “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,” Edun said.
The police had recently intensified enforcement in states like Lagos and Niger, citing aims to enhance public safety and curb crime under directives from Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Lagos Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi had announced motorists needed approved permits accessible via (link unavailable), warning non-compliant vehicles risked impoundment and prosecution under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act 2004.
“The exercise, which began on Thursday, was in line with directives of the Inspector-General of Police… aimed to boost public safety, curb crime, and ensure compliance with traffic laws,” Adebisi stated previously. Motorists were advised to carry essential documents and cooperate during police operations.
Lagos Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh stressed professionalism in enforcement, cautioning against harassment or extortion, with sanctions for offenders and supervisors. Niger State Police also commenced similar enforcement before the court’s intervention.
The court’s move has introduced a pause in police actions nationwide regarding tinted glass permits as the legal challenge progresses.
