Nigeria Suspends Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement Following Federal High Court Order
Nigeria halts tinted glass permit enforcement after a Federal High Court order in Warri, bringing relief to drivers facing fines and vehicle impoundments amid ongoing legal debates.
Nigeria Suspends Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement Following Federal High Court Order
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has paused its enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permits following a court order from the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State. This decision, announced on October 8, 2025, brings relief to drivers who faced fines and vehicle impoundments for using tinted windows. Let’s break down why this matters, what led to it, and what’s next.
Why Tinted Glass Permits Were a Big Deal
For years, Nigeria has required permits for vehicles with tinted windows, based on a 1991 law aimed at stopping criminals from hiding behind dark glass. Police argued that tinted windows made it easier for kidnappers and robbers to operate unnoticed. In April 2025, the police restarted the permit program, charging about ₦14,000 yearly and giving drivers until October 2 to comply.
But many Nigerians weren’t happy. Most modern cars come with factory-fitted tints, and drivers felt targeted unfairly. In Delta State, police seized 25 vehicles in just a few days for violations. People called it a money-making scheme, especially with Nigeria’s tough economy—high fuel prices and inflation already hit hard.The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) even said the policy violated citizens’ rights to privacy and free movement.
The Court Steps In
The game-changer came when lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins challenged the policy in court. On October 3, 2025, Justice E. O. Okojie of the Federal High Court in Warri ordered the police to stop enforcing the permit rule until the case is fully heard. The court told everyone to “keep things as they are” for now, meaning no more tinted glass stops or fines.
The police quickly obeyed. FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the suspension on TV, saying, “We respect the court and will wait for its final decision.” She added that the permit fees go to the government’s account, not the police, to counter claims of extortion.
Why This Matters
This pause means no more worrying about tinted glass fines—at least for now. It’s a big deal for drivers already struggling with rising costs. The policy was seen as unfair because many cars come with tints straight from the factory. Plus, critics like lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa argued that police could simply ask drivers to roll down their windows to check for safety, making permits unnecessary.
Still, the police have a point: Tinted windows can hide criminals, and Nigeria’s security challenges like kidnappings are real. The debate is about balancing safety with fairness. Nobody wants crime, but nobody wants to be harassed on the road either.
What’s Next?
The court will decide later if the tinted glass permit law is legal or not. For now, you can drive your tinted car without fear of police trouble. But it’s better to stay updated, if the court sides with the police, permits might come back.
This suspension shows how the courts and public pressure can make a difference. Nigerians spoke out, lawyers fought back, and the system listened. It’s a reminder that our voices matters in shaping policies that affect daily life.
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