*Insist No Court Order Halting Action
*Urge Motorists To Regularise Documents
BY GODWIN IJEDIOGOR
THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF), on Thursday, October 9, said it has temporarily suspended enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.
The Force, in a statement by its spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, explained that suspension was out of consideration for Nigerians and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.
The decision came despite a purported court order asking for a suspension of action, but Hundeyin insisted “no clear” court order stopped the enforcement.
Rather, he stated that Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, took the decision to suspend the enforcement when he received a delegation of the NBA leadership, led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Hundeyin said the discussion focused on the ongoing enforcement of the tinted glass law and the need for cooperation between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.
According to the statement: “The visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians, and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.”
Hundeyin stated that to strengthen cooperation, a joint Police-NBA Committee had been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between both institutions.
He added: “In the meantime, all vehicle owners and motorists are urged to take advantage of this window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria.
“The Inspector General of Police reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency and respect for the rights of all citizens, while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice.”
Recall that the Police commenced the enforcement of the policy, which requires motorists to obtain yearly permits for tinted glasses through a digital portal (possap.gov.ng).
Disatisfied with the policy and its burden on Nigerians, most of who own factory-fitted tinted glasses vehicles, NBA had at its yearly conference, raised several other genuine concerns, including the validity of the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act (Decree 1991), a military-era law under which the Police has sought refuge.
Its Section of Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) filed a public interest suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Force to challenge the legality of the policy, arguing that it violates rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement and property.
In addition, a lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, filed a separate action against the policy at the Federal High Court in Warri, reportedly ordered the Police to halt enforcement of the policy, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice scheduled for October 16.
