[Breaking] Tinted permit: Court orders Police to maintain status quo

A Federal High Court located in Warri, Delta State, has instructed the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to preserve the current situation regarding a lawsuit brought by attorney John Aikpokpo-Martins, which contests the legality of the recent enforcement of tinted permit regulations.

Previously, the Nigeria Police had reinstated the tinted permit regulation via its digital platform POSSAP, citing public grievances related to the harassment of drivers with factory-installed tints. The formal enforcement began in June 2025 following a grace period of 30 days, although this period was subsequently extended twice — first until August and then until October — to give drivers additional time to comply. This renewed strategy was justified for security reasons, with the police claiming that criminals frequently use vehicles with dark glass to avoid being caught.

Nonetheless, the lawsuit questions if the Police acted within the legal framework established by the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which states that permits may be issued only for valid reasons, such as medical or security issues. Aikpokpo-Martins and other opponents argue that the overall enforcement unfairly impacts drivers, violates their constitutional rights to privacy and freedom of movement, and may encourage ongoing harassment by law enforcement agents.

Various civil society organizations and the Nigerian Bar Association have expressed their apprehensions, with the NBA submitting a distinct lawsuit asserting that the enforcement structure is unconstitutional and fraught with issues of transparency. Concerns have been raised regarding how fees are managed, the accessibility of the application process, and the likelihood of abuse by law enforcement personnel on the streets.

While the police assert that the program is both legal and vital for national security, the order from the Warri court highlights the increasing pushback from legal entities and the public. Until the matter is adjudicated, the execution of the tinted glass permit remains in a state of uncertainty, leaving numerous drivers unsure about the compliance stipulations and the overall validity of the policy.