The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned the renewed enforcement of tinted glass permits by the Nigeria Police Force, describing the move as unconstitutional, exploitative, and designed to generate revenue rather than enhance security.
Through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law, the association declared that any Nigerian harassed or arrested over tinted glass would receive free legal representation from its 130 branches across the country.
Olukunle Edun, SAN, Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, described the directive as unjustifiable.
“We shall invoke the powers of the court to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force does not trample on the rights of Nigerians,” he said. Edun alleged that the police could amass as much as ₦3 billion in one month from the scheme, calling it a veiled revenue drive rather than a genuine security measure.
The NBA has already challenged the legality of the policy in court. In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 before the Federal High Court, Abuja, the association is seeking a declaration that the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991 violates the Constitution.
NBA lawyer Godspower Eroga, who filed the suit, noted that the law provides no objective standard for determining what qualifies as “tinted,” leaving enforcement open to abuse.
He also accused the police of directing permit fees into a private account instead of the Treasury Single Account as required by law.
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The association cited a case in Asaba, Delta State, where the car of Justice O. A. Ogunbowale of the National Industrial Court was impounded on the first day of enforcement. NBA-SPIDEL described the incident as “embarrassing and unnecessary,” stressing that it exposed the dangers of arbitrary enforcement.
A last-minute injunction to suspend the policy was reportedly sought but was not granted by a Federal High Court vacation judge.
The NBA expressed disappointment, saying a proactive ruling could have protected both the public and the judiciary.
While the police argue that tinted windows pose a security risk by allowing criminals to conceal weapons or identities, rights advocates counter that most modern vehicles are factory-tinted and that harassment of motorists has become widespread.
The NBA also accused senior police officers of hypocrisy, pointing out that many drive tinted SUVs without valid permits. “The police cannot impose taxation without legislation,” it declared.
With the NBA now actively pursuing the matter in court and offering pro bono support to affected citizens, tensions are expected to rise between the lawyers’ body and the police.
Until a ruling is delivered, motorists remain vulnerable to enforcement, but the NBA has advised them to seek immediate assistance if harassed.
Punch
