The Nigeria Police Force has placed nationwide enforcement of its tinted glass permit policy on hold after being served with an interim court order, the Force confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
Nigeria tinted glass permit paused pending court hearing
The Force had announced on 15 December 2025 that it would commence enforcement of the tinted glass permit from 2 January 2026, citing its duty to protect lives and maintain internal security. That plan was interrupted when the police were served with an interim order on 17 December 2025 in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025, which restrains them from proceeding with enforcement until the substantive suit is heard or the interim order is vacated.
Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, said the police have complied strictly with the court order and have suspended enforcement nationwide while legal proceedings continue. The Force has entered appearance in the matter, raised preliminary objections and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order.
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings on 20 January 2026. Until the court issues a ruling, officers will not implement the permit requirement, the statement added. The Force also pledged to keep the public informed and to issue clear guidance as appropriate following the court’s determination, stressing that these steps are being taken in the overriding interest of public order and national security.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to the rule of law while reiterating its responsibility to protect lives and property. He said the police would continue to deploy lawful and intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges across the country.
The tinted glass permit policy, designed by the Force as part of efforts to regulate vehicle window tinting and enhance visibility checks, attracted legal challenge ahead of the scheduled enforcement date. Critics of the policy raised concerns that enforcement might raise civil liberty questions and legal processes were initiated to subject the policy to judicial review.
By complying with the interim order, the Nigeria Police Force has signalled its intention to respect judicial authority while pursuing its mandate. Legal experts say an interim order is a temporary measure that preserves the status quo until a court can fully examine the merits of a case. The Force’s move to seek the vacation of the order indicates it will ask the court to allow enforcement to resume if the substantive objections are rejected.
Members of the public and motorists affected by the proposed tinted glass permit are advised to await further communication from the Nigeria Police Force for clear guidance. Drivers should note that, for now, there will be no penalties or enforcement actions tied to the tinted glass permit until the court decides the matter or the interim order is lifted.
The case raises broader questions about how regulatory measures intended for public safety intersect with legal safeguards and judicial oversight. The adjournment to 20 January 2026 will be closely watched by stakeholders, including civil society groups, legal practitioners and enforcement agencies, as the court moves to determine whether the policy may be implemented.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nigeria Police Force has paused nationwide enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy following an interim court order.
- The Force was served with the order on 17 December 2025 in Suit No. HOR/FHR/M/31/2025 and has applied for its vacation; the matter is adjourned to 20 January 2026.
- The enforcement, due to begin on 2 January 2026, will remain suspended pending the court’s determination while the Force says it will continue lawful, intelligence-led operations.
- The Inspector-General emphasised respect for the rule of law and promised further public guidance after the court decides.
