The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has declared that it will provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial enforcement of tinted glass permits. The association described the policy as illegal, unconstitutional, and revenue-driven, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force lacks the authority to impose such requirements on motorists.
NBA Condemns Police Enforcement of Tinted Glass Policy
Through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), the NBA criticized the police for imposing fees and annual renewals on tinted glass permits, saying the practice has no constitutional backing.
Olukunle Edun (SAN), Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, said in a statement on Thursday that the association will not hesitate to take legal action to protect citizens’ rights.
“Any Nigerian harassed by the police under this illegal tinted glass enforcement can contact any of the 130 NBA branches nationwide for free legal support,” Edun said.
He warned that the move was a disguised revenue generation scheme, estimating that the police could rake in as much as ₦3 billion in one month instead of focusing on tackling crime.
Case Already in Court
The NBA revealed that the matter is already before the Federal High Court, Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025. The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, challenges the legality of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree 1991, arguing that it contradicts the 1999 Constitution.
The association is seeking declarations that motorists cannot be compelled to pay fees or renew permits, and an injunction restraining the police from further arrests, harassment, or extortion under the policy.
In an affidavit, NBA lawyer Godspower Eroga alleged that the police intended to divert payments into a private account (Parkway Projects A/C No. 4001017918) instead of the government’s Treasury Single Account. He also pointed out that:
- The law provides no measurable standard for window tinting.
- Most modern vehicles come with factory-installed tinted windows.
- Successive police chiefs had previously suspended the permit regime, calling it unnecessary.
- Senior police officers themselves drive SUVs with tinted windows, often without permits.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government,” the NBA stressed.
Judge’s Car Impounded on First Day
The NBA expressed outrage that on the very first day of enforcement, police in Asaba, Delta State impounded the vehicle of a sitting judge, Justice O. A. Ogunbowale of the National Industrial Court.
The association described the incident as “embarrassing and avoidable,” noting that it underscored the dangers of continuing with the unlawful policy.
NBA’s Call to Judiciary
NBA-SPIDEL revealed that it had attempted to secure a last-minute injunction to stop the enforcement, but the application was declined due to procedural limitations.
The association urged the judiciary to act decisively in matters of urgent public interest, stressing that the integrity of the courts is best protected when judges take proactive steps to prevent chaos.
