IGP Egbetokun Suspends Enforcement of Tinted Glass Law After NBA Intervention

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has suspended the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991 following mounting public pressure and intervention by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The decision was announced in a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed that although no subsisting court order currently bars enforcement, the police chose to suspend the exercise “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association.”

The move followed a meeting on Monday between Egbetokun and an NBA delegation led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. Hundeyin stated that the suspension would remain in effect pending the hearing of a motion on notice at the Federal High Court, Warri, scheduled for October 16, 2025.

He further explained that a joint Police–NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance cooperation between both institutions and strengthen accountability. Hundeyin urged motorists to use the suspension period to regularise their documentation and comply with all regulations governing the use of tinted or shaded vehicle glasses.

Egbetokun reiterated the Force’s commitment to enforcing laws “with fairness, transparency and respect for citizens’ rights,” while maintaining collaboration with the Bar and other stakeholders.

The NBA’s counsel, Olakunle Edun (SAN), confirmed that a restraining order had been served on the police since Monday. He noted that the suspension resulted from the meeting between the NBA leadership and the Inspector-General of Police, adding that both parties agreed to maintain the status quo while exploring ways to resolve the issue.

The development stems from an order by the Federal High Court, Warri, in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 – John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force directing the police to halt enforcement of the tinted glass permits pending determination of the substantive case.

Despite the order, reports indicated that officers in some states, including Cross River, continued to impound vehicles and demand tinted glass permits, with several motorists alleging extortion and harassment. In Calabar, journalist John Osakwe recounted how officers stopped him and demanded ₦30,000 for a permit before releasing his car, while commercial driver Edem Udofia said his vehicle was impounded over factory-fitted glass.

Legal expert Mba Ukweni (SAN) criticised the police for initially disobeying the court directive, insisting that the Force must comply fully with judicial orders.

Meanwhile, Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, confirmed the suspension in an interview with AIT, saying the Force had now officially received the court order and would maintain the status quo until the case is resolved.

Adeh clarified that payments for tinted glass permits are made online and remitted directly to the government’s Treasury Single Account, not to police officers. “The registration and payment processes are fully digital. Policemen only verify documents to ensure motorists have the proper permit” she said.

The suspension follows widespread criticism and allegations of extortion against police officers enforcing the controversial tinted glass law, which many Nigerians have described as outdated and prone to abuse.