The Nigerian Bar Association has taken the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to court over the recently introduced tinted-glass permit policy, describing it as unlawful and a violation of citizens’ rights.
The association filed the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, 2025.
The suit is titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025).
At its National Executive Council meeting held in Enugu on August 23, the NBA resolved to challenge the policy, which requires motorists to obtain annual permits for tinted vehicle windows through a digital platform launched in April 2025.
In a statement on Thursday, Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), raised concerns over transparency and accountability.
“The Inspector-General of Police introduced a policy that compels Nigerians to apply for and obtain annual tinted glass permits for a fee,” Ananaba said.
“We are informed that payments are being channelled to a private account belonging to Parkway Projects, rather than the Federation Account. This raises serious questions about legality and accountability.”
The NBA further alleged that despite the official enforcement date being shifted to October 2, some motorists have already been harassed and extorted at checkpoints under the guise of the new policy.
According to Ananaba, the directive undermines constitutionally protected rights. “This policy infringes on citizens’ dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property. Its legal basis is questionable, relying on a 1991 military decree that may not be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society,” he added.
The association has urged the Police Force to suspend enforcement until the case is decided. “We will pursue this litigation to its logical conclusion, and we expect the police to respect the judicial process,” Ananaba stated.
The police reintroduced the digital tinted permit platform on May 1, 2025, after years of public complaints about abuse and extortion linked to tinted glass enforcement. The Force defended the initiative, saying it would improve transparency and enhance national security.
Motorists, however, have expressed frustration over the N16,000 permit fee, which they argue is burdensome given the country’s economic challenges.
The case is yet to be assigned to a judge.