The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the Inspector-General of Police’s tinted-glass permit policy, describing it as unlawful and a violation of fundamental rights. The NBA, in a resolution at its pre-conference National Executive Council meeting held in Enugu on August 23, condemned the directive introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in April 2025. The policy requires motorists to obtain annual permits for tinted vehicle glass through a digital portal, with enforcement earlier slated for June 1 but now shifted to October 2.
In a statement by Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), Chairman of the NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law, the association raised concerns about transparency, alleging that fees paid for the permits are being routed to a private account rather than the Federation Account or Treasury Single Account. The NBA also claimed that some motorists have already faced harassment and extortion by policemen at checkpoints, even before enforcement has begun.
The suit, titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025), was filed on September 2, 2025, though yet to be assigned to a judge.
The NBA argued that the policy infringes on constitutionally protected rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property. It also questioned the reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a 1991 military decree, noting that the law may not meet constitutional standards in a democratic society.
While the Police maintain that the initiative, including the N16,000 annual fee, is meant to enhance transparency and national security, motorists and civil rights groups say the cost is burdensome and the system vulnerable to abuse. The NBA urged the Police to suspend enforcement of the directive pending the court’s ruling and vowed to pursue the case to its conclusion.
Source: https://punchng.com/
