Court Order Halts Tinted Glass Crackdown Again, Leaving Motorists and Police in a Familiar Standoff

For the second time in recent months, the Nigeria Police Force has been compelled to suspend the enforcement of its controversial Tinted Glass Permit policy, following an interim court order that restrained the move just days before it was set to take effect. The latest suspension, announced on Thursday, has once again thrown the issue into the public spotlight, reviving debates around security, civil liberties, and the long-running friction between motorists and law enforcement across the country.

The enforcement, which was scheduled to resume nationwide on January 2, 2026, was part of what the Police described as renewed efforts to strengthen public safety and internal security. However, those plans were abruptly put on hold after the Force was served with an interim court order in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, dated December 17, 2025. The order restrains the Police from proceeding with the policy pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or until the order is vacated.

The decision to suspend enforcement was made public in a statement issued in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. In the statement, the Police explained that although they had earlier announced, on December 15, 2025, their intention to resume enforcement, they were bound by law to comply with the court’s directive once it was served.

According to the Force, the interim order effectively bars officers from enforcing the requirement that motorists obtain a permit for tinted vehicle windows, a policy that has existed in law for years but has seen inconsistent enforcement. The Police said they had already entered an appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections, and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order. The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, when the court is expected to hear further arguments.

“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the statement said, making it clear that officers across the country have been instructed to suspend any action related to the policy for now.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, also used the opportunity to reaffirm the Force’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that respect for judicial authority remains a core principle guiding police operations. While acknowledging the importance of security measures, the IGP emphasized that the Police would not act in defiance of a valid court order, regardless of the operational concerns involved.

The tinted glass policy has long been a sensitive issue in Nigeria. Supporters of strict enforcement argue that tinted windows are frequently exploited by criminals, kidnappers, and armed robbers to conceal their identities and movements, making it harder for security agencies to detect threats. From this perspective, requiring permits for tinted glass is seen as a necessary tool for intelligence gathering and crime prevention, especially in a country grappling with multiple security challenges.

On the other hand, many motorists view the policy as a gateway to harassment and extortion. Past enforcement exercises have been marred by allegations of roadblocks turning into cash collection points, with drivers complaining of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and demands for bribes, even in cases where vehicles came factory-fitted with tinted windows. These experiences have fueled public skepticism and legal challenges, one of which has now resulted in the latest court order.

The renewed suspension has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some motorists have expressed relief, saying the decision spares them from what they fear could have been another round of confrontations with police officers on the roads. Others argue that the repeated start-and-stop approach to enforcement only creates confusion and undermines trust in the system, as neither citizens nor officers are ever fully certain about what rules are actively being applied.

Legal analysts note that the interim order does not necessarily invalidate the tinted glass regulation itself but merely pauses its enforcement until the court has examined the substantive issues raised in the suit. These issues are believed to include questions around the legality of the enforcement process, the clarity of guidelines for obtaining permits, and whether citizens’ rights are adequately protected under the current framework.

For the Police, the situation presents a delicate balancing act. While they insist that regulating tinted glass is important for security, they must also navigate public perception and legal scrutiny. In its statement, the Force sought to reassure Nigerians that the suspension of the tinted glass enforcement does not mean a relaxation of security efforts. Instead, it said lawful and intelligence-driven strategies would continue to be deployed to tackle crime and other threats across the country.

The Police also pledged to keep the public informed of any further developments, particularly after the court delivers its decision. This assurance comes amid calls from civil society groups for greater transparency and clearer communication whenever policies with direct impact on daily life are being introduced or revived.

As January 20, 2026, approaches, attention will turn to the courtroom, where the fate of the policy will once again be debated. Depending on the outcome, the Police may either regain the legal backing to resume enforcement or be forced to rethink their approach entirely. Either way, the episode underscores a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s security landscape: how to enforce laws in a way that genuinely enhances safety without eroding public trust or infringing on citizens’ rights.

For now, motorists can breathe a cautious sigh of relief, knowing that the tinted glass permit policy is off the table, at least temporarily. But the broader conversation about security, accountability, and the relationship between law enforcement and the public remains very much alive, and the court’s next move is likely to shape that conversation in the weeks ahead.