The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Nigeria Police Force over its decision to resume enforcement of the suspended tinted glass permit policy from Jan. 2, 2026, describing the move as a violation of the rule of law.

The police had, in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announced that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume in January, citing a surge in vehicle-related crimes.

Hundeyin said the decision followed a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of citizens.

However, the NBA, in a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, faulted the decision, noting that the legality of the policy is currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja, with hearing concluded and judgment reserved.

The association said the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has a constitutional obligation to respect the judicial process and refrain from actions capable of pre-empting or undermining the court’s decision.

According to the NBA, its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) had on Sept. 2, 2025, instituted an action at the Federal High Court, Abuja, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector General of Police & Anor.

The suit challenges the legality of the tinted glass permit policy, particularly the alleged lack of constitutional or statutory authority empowering the police to impose fees or financial obligations on citizens in the name of enforcing the policy.

The NBA argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, on which the policy is based, is a military-era law that does not meet democratic standards under Section 45 and other provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

It further contended that the National Assembly lacks the legislative competence to enact the law, rendering it invalid.

The association also expressed concern that enforcement of the policy would encourage extortion and abuse, citing what it described as the police’s long history of bribery, harassment, intimidation and extrajudicial actions.

The NBA alleged that the policy is being used as a revenue-generating scheme by the police, contrary to the law, adding that fees are reportedly paid into the account of a private company rather than the Treasury Single Account.

It said the levy imposed by the permit policy adds to the burden of multiple taxation on Nigerians and portrays the country as an unfriendly environment for business, especially at a time of economic hardship.

The association also noted that modern vehicles are imported with factory-fitted tinted glasses, a fact it said the police have ignored in enforcing the policy.

It further criticised the nullification of already issued permits and the requirement for renewal, which it said has no legal basis.

The NBA disclosed that court processes were duly served on the defendants, including the IGP, who engaged Chief Ayotunde Ogunleye, SAN, to represent the police.

It added that on Oct. 3, 2025, the Federal High Court, Warri Division, ordered parties to maintain the status quo in Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police, restraining the police from enforcing the policy pending determination of a motion for interlocutory injunction.

According to the NBA, the court order and public outcry led to a meeting involving police authorities, their counsel and NBA representatives, where it was agreed that enforcement of the policy should be suspended pending the outcome of cases in court.

The association, therefore, questioned the decision of the police spokesperson to announce a resumption of enforcement from Jan. 2, 2026.

It described the announcement as evidence of disregard for the rule of law and due process by the police.

The NBA warned that it would initiate contempt proceedings against the IGP and the Force Public Relations Officer if enforcement resumes, contrary to undertakings allegedly made in open court.

It also directed all NBA branches and its Human Rights Committee to provide legal assistance to any Nigerian harassed, arrested, or prosecuted under the policy.

The association called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and caution the police, warning that resumption of enforcement would undermine the authority of the courts and impose additional hardship on citizens.