Tinted Glass Permit: NBA Threatens Contempt Proceedings Against IGP

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has threatened to initiate committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, over the planned resumption of enforcement of the suspended motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy.

In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by NBA President, Afam Osigwe, the association warned that it would proceed with contempt action if the IGP fails or refuses to heed what it described as a lawful directive to halt enforcement of the policy.

The NBA also warned that professional disciplinary proceedings would be commenced against any lawyer found to have misled the court in relation to the matter.

The association was reacting to a police press release dated December 15, 2025, signed by Hundeyin, announcing that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume nationwide from January 2, 2026.

The NBA described the move as a grave affront to the authority of the courts and a clear subversion of the rule of law.

It recalled that the policy was introduced by the IGP in April 2025, requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits through an online platform. Enforcement was initially fixed for June 1, 2025, before being postponed to October 2 following public backlash.

According to the NBA, the policy triggered widespread reports of harassment, extortion and violations of civil rights, particularly affecting young Nigerians.

The association noted that on September 2, 2025, it instituted a suit through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the legality of the policy in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 between the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Inspector General of Police.

The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, upon which the policy is based, is a military-era legislation that falls short of constitutional and democratic standards.

It further contended that the National Assembly lacked the legislative competence to enact the law and described the policy as unconstitutional, illegal and extortionate.

The association also alleged that enforcement of the policy would encourage disorder and extortion, citing what it described as the police’s long history of bribery, intimidation and abuse of power.

It accused the Nigeria Police Force of using the policy as a revenue-generating scheme, contrary to law, and raised concerns that the permit fees are paid into the account of a private company.

The NBA disclosed that court processes were duly served on the defendants, including the IGP, who reportedly briefed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to represent them.

It further referenced a separate suit at the Federal High Court, Warri Division, where on October 3, 2025, the court ordered parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 between John Aikpokpo-Martins and the Inspector General of Police, effectively restraining the police from enforcing the policy pending the determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

According to Osigwe, the IGP had earlier suspended enforcement after engagements with the NBA and undertook to respect ongoing court proceedings. He explained that the NBA-SPIDEL’s motion for interlocutory injunction was struck out on December 12, 2025, based on the IGP’s undertaking before the court.

Osigwe described the police announcement to resume enforcement just a day later as reckless and contemptuous, urging the IGP to immediately withdraw the directive and suspend enforcement pending the final determination of all related cases.

The NBA also directed its branches nationwide and its Human Rights Committee to provide legal support to any individual harassed, arrested or penalised under the policy.

Citing the Supreme Court decision in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, the association warned that disregard for court orders poses a serious threat to constitutional democracy.

The NBA further appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that the resumption of the policy would undermine judicial authority and impose additional financial hardship on Nigerians.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has defended its decision, citing rising security challenges such as armed robbery and kidnapping allegedly linked to unauthorised use of tinted vehicles. Hundeyin maintained that the earlier suspension of enforcement was voluntary and not based on any court order, insisting that the policy is aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

The police have urged motorists to comply with the policy by obtaining permits through approved channels, denying that there is any legal restriction preventing enforcement.