Amanze Chinonye
A Federal High Court sitting in Warri has restrained the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the controversial tinted glass permit, marking the latest twist in a long-running battle between motorists, lawyers, and the police.
Justice Okon Abang, in a ruling delivered on October 2, 2025, barred the police from arresting or harassing Nigerians over the permit pending the outcome of a suit (FHC/W/CS/189/2025) filed by rights lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins. The plaintiff argued that there is no statutory basis for the policy, particularly in cases of factory-fitted tinted windows.
The court’s intervention comes just days after the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), branded the policy “illegal” and filed a parallel suit in Abuja seeking to strike it down.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe NBA has also activated its Human Rights Committees in 130 branches to provide free legal aid to victims of police harassment.
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Olukunle Edun (SAN), chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, warned that any attempt by the police to enforce the permit while cases are pending would amount to contempt of court.
“Any citizen harassed over this illegal permit should contact any NBA branch for immediate legal representation,” he said.
The tinted glass permit, introduced as a security measure, has long drawn criticism as a tool of extortion at checkpoints.
Though issuance was suspended in 2022, the police relaunched the scheme in 2025 under the Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP), reigniting public backlash.
Legal analysts say the Warri order, combined with the NBA’s nationwide push, could set a decisive precedent. If upheld, it would not only halt police enforcement but also force a rethink of how security regulations are crafted and implemented.
For Nigerians weary of roadside extortion, the latest ruling represents more than a legal technicality it could be the beginning of the end for one of the most contentious policing practices in the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
