Police Halt Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement on Court Order

The Nigeria Police Force announced on December 15, 2025, plans to resume enforcing the tinted glass permit policy starting January 2, 2026, to curb rising crimes like armed robbery and kidnapping where criminals exploit unauthorized tints to hide identities.​ This policy, rooted in regulations since 1991, was suspended in 2022 but revived under the Police Specialised Services Automation Project launched in April 2023.​​ Police cited urgent public safety needs amid disturbing trends in vehicle-aided violent crimes.​

Court Intervention Details

On December 17, 2025, the Delta State High Court in Orerokpe, under Justice Joe Egwu, issued an ex-parte interim order in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025 filed by applicant Israel Joe against the IGP, Nigeria Police, and Delta Police Commissioner.​ The order bars police from stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting motorists over tinted glass permits pending the substantive suit hearing.​ The court adjourned proceedings to January 20, 2026, after police entered appearance, filed preliminary objections, and sought to vacate the order.​

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In a statement dated January 1, 2026, by Force PRO CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, police confirmed nationwide suspension of enforcement in strict adherence to the court order and constitutional duties.​ IGP Kayode Egbetokun emphasized commitment to rule of law alongside protecting lives and property through intelligence-driven security measures.​ Public updates will follow the court’s final decision to balance order and national security.​

Prior enforcement attempts, like in Lagos October 2025, faced similar court halts, highlighting ongoing tensions between security policies and civil liberties.​ Motorists welcome the relief from potential harassment, but police argue tints enable crime concealment.​ The case underscores Nigeria’s judicial oversight on police operations amid persistent insecurity.