The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned it may start committal proceedings against Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin regarding the intended reinstatement of the suspended motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by NBA President Afam Osigwe, the association announced that it would begin contempt proceedings if the IGP fails or declines to respond to what it termed a “lawful admonition” to stop the policy.
It also cautioned that suitable professional disciplinary measures would be imposed on any lawyer discovered to have deceived the court.
The NBA responded to a press release from December 15, 2025, authored by Hundeyin, which declared the reinstatement of the tinted glass permit policy enforcement starting January 2, 2026.
The organization characterized the action as “a serious insult to the dignity of the court” and an undermining of the rule of law.
It was noted that in April 2025, the IGP implemented a policy mandating that drivers acquire yearly tinted glass permits via an online system, with enforcement originally set for June 1, 2025, later delayed to October 2.
The organization stated that the policy triggered numerous accounts of “harassment, extortion, and violations of civil rights, especially targeting young individuals.”
“On September 2, 2025, the Nigerian Bar Association, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), instituted an action before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, between Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector General of Police & Anor, challenging the legality of the Tinted Glass Permit Policy,” the statement read.
The NBA contended that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, on which the policy is based, is a military-era law that does not meet democratic or constitutional standards, that the National Assembly lacks legislative authority to enact it, and that the policy is unconstitutional, illegal, and extortionist.
“The enforcement of the unlawful policy will initiate disorder and extortion, given the Nigeria Police’s long and sordid history of extortion, bribery, harassment, intimidation, and extrajudicial killings.
“The policy is a brazen revenue-generating drive by the Nigeria Police Force, which by law is not a revenue-generating organization.
“This is particularly worrisome as the fees are paid into the account of a private company,” it argued.
It added that “the court processes were duly served on the Defendants, including the Inspector General of Police, who briefed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, to represent them in the suit.
“Meanwhile, on 3rd October 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, issued an order directing parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 between John Aikpokpo-Martins and the Inspector General of Police, thereby restraining the Police from enforcing the policy pending the determination of a Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The NBA stated that the IGP had first halted enforcement after discussions with the NBA and consenting to follow court orders.
The NBA-SPIDEL’s request for an interlocutory injunction was dismissed on December 12, 2025, due to the IGP’s assurance in court, Osigwe stated.
He stated that the police’s decision to restart enforcement just a day later constituted “irresponsible overreach” and a “disrespectful disregard for the court’s authority.”
He called on the IGP to retract the statement and suspend enforcement until a final decision is made on related legal proceedings.
The NBA instructed its local chapters and the Human Rights Committee to offer legal support to any Nigerian who is harassed, detained, or punished under the policy.
Referencing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986) 1 NWLR (Pt. 621), the association cautioned that ignoring court rulings threatens constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“It is our sincere hope that the Nigeria Police Force will retrace its steps and respect the authority of the courts.
“Should the Inspector General of Police fail or refuse to heed this lawful admonition, the Nigerian Bar Association will commence committal proceedings against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, until they purge themselves of contempt.
“Appropriate professional proceedings will also be initiated against any counsel found to have misled the Court,” the lawyer association warned.
It further called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene, stating, “The planned resumption of the policy will not only amount to a slap in the face of the court but also impose unjustified financial hardship on Nigerians.”
The NPF justified the policy’s reintroduction by claiming rising security dangers, including armed robbery and kidnapping linked to illegal tinted automobiles.
CSP Hundeyin explained that the previous suspension was voluntary, not court-ordered, and that the policy is designed to safeguard lives and property.
The agency advised motorists to comply by getting licenses through established channels, dismissing any legal restrictions on enforcement.
