The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has accused the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of defying the rule of law by pressing ahead with the enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy despite an ongoing court challenge.
In a strongly worded letter dated October 1, the NBA’s Section of Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) told Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun that the decision to begin enforcement while the matter is before the court is “unlawful and contemptuous.”
The NBA had, in September, filed a suit at the Federal High Court challenging the legality of the annual tinted glass permit, arguing that it infringes on citizens’ rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property. The association also questioned the reliance on a 1991 military decree to justify the policy, insisting it fails the constitutional test of being “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.”
Photo: Chronicle NG
Despite this, several police commands announced that enforcement would commence from October 2. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin defended the move, citing provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which empower the Inspector-General to issue permits on health or security grounds.
But the NBA insists the force is bound to maintain the status quo until the court decides.
“It is very clear that the pendency of SUIT NO: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 should automatically put a stop to the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy,” the letter stated.
The association also accused Hundeyin of “egregious disregard” for the court through public statements insisting on enforcement, warning that contempt proceedings would be initiated against him if he does not desist.
Signed by Paul Ananaba (NBA-SPIDEL Chairman), Olukunle Edun, and Okey Leo Ohagha, the letter urged the police to “allow the rule of law to prevail” and suspend the policy until the judiciary rules on its validity.
