When John Aikpokpo‑Martins, a Lagos‑based lawyer, filed a suit against the Nigeria Police Force, a Federal High Court in Warri stepped in and ordered the force to keep the status quo on the controversial tinted glass permit scheme.
The ruling, issued on 27 September 2025 in case No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, specifically named Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector‑General of the police, and instructed him to halt any arrest, prosecution or vehicle impoundment linked to the permit until the court decides the matter's legality.
Background of the Tinted Glass Permit Policy
Back in April 2023, the Nigeria Police Force announced the revival of a permit system that requires motorists with darkened windows to obtain a digital clearance via possap.gov.ng. The scheme had been suspended in 2022 after widespread complaints that it was being used as a revenue‑raising tool.
Initially, the deadline for applications was set for August 2025, but the police extended it to 2 October 2025, giving owners a few more weeks to comply. When the deadline lapsed, officers across the country—most visibly in Lagos—started stopping cars, flashing their badges and demanding proof of a valid permit.
By early October, reports emerged that the Lagos State Police Command had halted traffic on several arterial roads, checking windshields and writing down licence plates of non‑compliant vehicles.
Court Rulings and the Growing Legal Battle
The Warri decision was not the only legal challenge. Earlier in July, the Nigerian Bar Association – through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA‑SPIDEL) – filed a separate suit in Abuja (FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025) seeking a declaration on the policy's constitutionality.
NBA‑SPIDEL’s counsel, Oluchi Nwankwo, warned that the police were “showing reckless disregard for the rule of law” by enforcing a measure that had not yet been judicially vetted.
On the same day the Warri court issued its order, the Lagos Police Command reportedly seized 45 vehicles in Delta and Jigawa states, despite the pending Abuja suit. The contradictory actions amplified public anxiety and fed rumors that the police were ignoring the courts.
Police Confusion and Public Relations Clash
Enter Benjamin Hundan, CSP, the force’s public relations officer. On Saturday, he told reporters that “the police have not been served with the Warri court order,” effectively denying the injunction.
Hundan’s statement sparked a flurry of social‑media posts, with some motorists claiming they were still being stopped, while others said officers had pulled back after hearing about the ruling.
The police’s claim of non‑service raises a procedural question: if a court order is not formally delivered, can its terms be enforced? Legal analysts, such as Professor Chidi Okonkwo of the University of Lagos, argue that “the spirit of the order applies regardless of service, especially when public safety is at stake.”
Public Reaction: Anger, Relief, and Security Concerns
Across Nigeria, citizens voiced a mix of jubilation and frustration. In Lagos, a small business owner posted, “Finally! The court heard us. We can’t afford to pay for a permit when we’re already struggling with fuel prices.”
Conversely, a resident of Delta State, who prefers to stay anonymous, said, “If tinted windows help prevent kidnappers from seeing inside the car, why block us? Security should come first.”
Human‑rights advocates also highlighted the digital portal’s glitches. Many Nigerians reported error messages, broken links, and a lack of clear guidance on how to upload documents—issues that, critics argue, turn a policy meant for security into a tool for extortion.
Implications and What Comes Next
The immediate effect of the Warri injunction is a temporary pause in active enforcement. However, the police have hinted that they will resume once the Abuja suit is resolved. If the higher court finds the permit unconstitutional, the force may have to abandon the scheme altogether.
For motorists, the practical advice is to keep any existing permit documentation handy and, if stopped, politely request to see the court order. Legal experts recommend consulting a lawyer to avoid inadvertent contempt of court, especially if officers act on a belief that the order is not binding.
Meanwhile, the NBA‑SPIDEL is preparing to file an urgent application for a nationwide injunction, arguing that the policy infringes on the constitutional right to freedom of movement and imposes an unreasonable financial burden.
Historical Context: From Suspension to Resumption
The tinted glass debate dates back to 2020, when the police first introduced the permit as part of a broader “specialized services automation project.” Public outcry over perceived revenue generation led to a suspension in 2022. The 2023 revival was framed as a security measure amid a spike in armed robbery and kidnapping cases.
Since then, successive governments have oscillated between enforcement and leniency, reflecting the tug‑of‑war between security priorities and civil liberties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Warri court order actually prohibit?
The order bars the Nigeria Police Force from arresting, prosecuting, or impounding vehicles for lacking a tinted glass permit until the underlying legal challenges are resolved.
Who filed the lawsuit that led to the injunction?
John Aikpokpo‑Martins, a private lawyer, lodged the case in the Federal High Court, Warri, challenging the constitutionality of the permit scheme.
How many vehicles have been seized so far?
Reports indicate that 45 vehicles were impounded in Delta and Jigawa states during the first wave of enforcement after the October 2 deadline.
What are the main arguments against the permit?
Critics say the permit violates constitutional rights, burdens motorists financially, and is riddled with a faulty online application system that hampers compliance.
Will the police resume enforcement after the court case?
The police have indicated they will wait for a final judicial determination. If the Abuja suit dismisses the permit as unlawful, enforcement is likely to stop permanently.
