The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has dragged Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality and constitutionality of the Nigeria Police Force’s newly introduced tinted-glass permit policy.
The association said the directive not only infringes on citizens’ fundamental rights but also raises serious concerns over financial transparency and accountability.
At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Enugu on August 23, the NBA resolved to test the policy in court, describing it as unlawful, arbitrary, and inconsistent with democratic governance.
The suit, filed on September 2, 2025, is titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025). The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.
The police introduced the annual tinted-glass permit system in April 2025, requiring motorists with tinted windows to apply through a digital portal.
Enforcement was initially scheduled for June 1 but later shifted to October 2.
Although the police argued that the initiative was designed to curb insecurity and standardize the use of tinted vehicles, the NBA maintains that it rests on shaky legal grounds.
According to the association, the directive relies on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a 1991 military decree, which it says is unconstitutional in a democratic setting.
In a statement, Paul Ananaba, Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), faulted the financial structure of the scheme.
He alleged that fees paid by motorists were being funneled into the account of Parkway Projects, a private firm, instead of the Federation Account as required by law.
“The portal is reportedly managed by a private vendor, and there is no indication that funds generated will go into the Federation Account.
“This arrangement lacks transparency, accountability, and violates financial regulations”, Ananaba said.
The NBA further alleged that despite the October enforcement date, motorists are already facing harassment and extortion at police checkpoints under the guise of tinted-glass permit checks.
“This policy has already become a tool for abuse, even before it takes effect,” the association noted.
The lawyers’ body is arguing that the directive violates constitutionally guaranteed rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property.
It has called on the police authorities to suspend enforcement of the policy until the courts rule on its validity.
“The NBA will pursue this case to its logical conclusion,” Ananaba said, stressing that the association remains committed to protecting the public against arbitrary state actions.
The Nigeria Police had reactivated the digital tinted-glass permit platform on May 1, 2025, after years of public complaints of extortion and abuse tied to tinted windows.
