IG suspends enforcement of tinted glass law

IG suspends enforcement of tinted glass law

Tinted-glass

FILE: A tinted-glass car

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991.

A statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the decision followed a meeting between the police chief and a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He 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.

Hundeyin said although there is no clear court order halting the enforcement of the law, the police suspended the exercise “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association,” pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.

The statement partly, “The Inspector-General of Police has received a delegation of the NBA led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“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.”

He said to strengthen cooperation, a joint Police–NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between both institutions.

“To further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police-NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the police and the bar.

“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. ”

He urged motorists to use the suspension period to regularise their vehicle documentation and comply with all laws regulating the use of shaded or tinted vehicle glasses.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, 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, ” he said.

Vibes news reports that a Federal High Court issued an order in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 — John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force — directing the police to suspend the enforcement of the permits pending the determination of the substantive case.

The court further ordered the police to maintain the status quo, effectively halting any action against motorists until the case is resolved.

On October 4, the Force Public Relations Officer ,Hundeyin,stated on X that the police had not yet been formally served with the court order.