The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector General of Police (IGP), and Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), over plans to resume enforcement of the suspended motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy, warning that the move could lead to contempt proceedings.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Afam Osigwe, NBA President, the association said it would initiate contempt proceedings against the police leadership if they fail to halt enforcement of the policy pending the determination of the case before the court.
The NBA also said appropriate professional disciplinary measures would be taken against any legal practitioner found to have misled the court in connection with the matter.
Read also: Police to resume nationwide enforcement of tinted glass permit January 2, 2026
The association’s response followed a statement by the police on Monday, through the FPRO, announcing that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume on January 2, 2026.
The NBA recalled that the IGP introduced the policy in April 2025, requiring motorists to obtain annual tinted glass permits through an online platform. Enforcement, initially scheduled for June 1, 2025, was later postponed to October 2.
According to the NBA, the policy led to reports of harassment, extortion and civil rights violations, particularly involving young people.
The association disclosed that on September 2, 2025, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), it filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the legality of the policy in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025.
The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, on which the policy is based, is a military-era law that does not align with current constitutional standards, adding that the policy is unconstitutional, illegal and extortionate.
It further alleged that enforcement of the policy could encourage abuse, citing past complaints against the Nigeria Police Force.
The association also claimed that the policy amounted to a revenue-generating scheme by the police, which is not designated as a revenue-generating agency, adding that fees were reportedly paid into the account of a private company.
The NBA said a statement made in open court by its counsel, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye (SAN), constituted a judicial undertaking binding on the parties, warning that any action contrary to it would amount to overreaching the court. It cited Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, noting that disregard for court orders undermines the rule of law.
The association called on the Nigeria Police Force to respect the authority of the court and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that resumption of the policy would impose financial hardship on motorists.
The Nigeria Police Force, however, defended the planned resumption of enforcement, citing security concerns, including armed robbery and kidnapping linked to unauthorised tinted vehicles.
Hundeyin said the earlier suspension of the policy was voluntary and not ordered by the court, adding that the initiative was aimed at protecting lives and property.
He urged motorists to obtain valid permits through approved channels and said there was no legal restraint on enforcement.
