NIGERIA: Police Declares No Going Back On Tinted Permit Enforcement

 

While the Nigerian Police have declared their intent to press forward with tinted permit enforcement, a recent Federal High Court order has suspended the crackdown pending further legal proceedings.

The conflicting stances have created widespread confusion among Nigerian motorists and the public.

Police stance: No going back

Enforcement is on, citing a lack of official service of the court order as the reason they are maintaining the "status quo" of enforcement.

Insist on valid permits, urging motorists to ensure their vehicles have verifiable tinted glass permit documents through the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP) portal at possap.gov.ng.

Cite security concerns, arguing that criminals often use tinted glass to conceal their identities, making the permits a crucial tool for preventing violent crimes.

Some state commands are moving forward. For instance, the Niger State Police Command and Delta State Command have initiated enforcement and impounded vehicles despite the legal challenge.

A Federal High Court in Warri issued an interim order on October 3, 2025, directing the police to suspend enforcement and respect judicial processes.

The order requires the police to maintain the status quo, which legal experts interpret as halting the enforcement until the case is determined.

Reacting to the development on Saturday via his X handle, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police had not been formally served with the court order.

“While we have not been officially served the court order you’re referring to, let me, in the meantime, show point number eight (of the same order) since you left that part out and focused only on point number six. Nigerians deserve a complete picture, not a skewed one,” Hundeyin wrote.Court order for "status quo"The lawsuit, filed by a legal practitioner, challenges the legality of the police's re-introduced permit scheme and questions its constitutionality and potential for abuse.

The enforcement has faced significant criticism, particularly concerning unconfirmed reports of extortion and harassment by officers at checkpoints.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has separately filed a suit, arguing that the policy is unconstitutional, lacks transparency, and infringes upon fundamental rights.

Controversy over factory-fitted glass: A major point of contention is the police's demand for permits for vehicles with factory-fitted tinted glass, which critics say is illogical and unfair.

The situation is currently uncertain due to the conflicting directives. While the police are pushing ahead with enforcement in many areas, the court order suggests that any action could be legally challenged. 

Motorists are caught in the middle of this legal and operational disagreement, making it a difficult and confusing time to navigate the roads with tinted vehicle windows.