By our reporter
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against continuing the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy while a legal challenge against the regulation is still pending in court. The association described the police’s actions as potentially contemptuous and warned that it may pursue legal consequences if the enforcement continues.
Through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), the NBA expressed serious concern that despite the ongoing litigation before the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025), the police have publicly declared their intention to proceed with implementing the policy.
In a statement issued earlier this week, NBA-SPIDEL condemned recent remarks by the Force Public Relations Officer, which it says suggest deliberate defiance of judicial authority. The group emphasized that promoting enforcement during active court proceedings undermines the principle of the rule of law and disrespects the independence of the judiciary.
The NBA warned that it would not hesitate to initiate contempt proceedings against any police officer who continues to enforce or advocate for the tinted glass regulation while the case is still being heard. The association also said it may file disciplinary action against police officers who are legal practitioners and found to be encouraging disobedience of court processes.
However, the Nigeria Police Force has defended its stance, stating that the regulation remains valid under existing laws and that enforcement cannot be halted simply because a suit has been filed. Police officials insist that only a court order—such as an injunction—can restrain them from enforcing the policy.
This ongoing standoff has sparked nationwide debate, with many Nigerians voicing frustration over what they see as heavy-handed enforcement and unclear guidelines. Critics argue that the permit process is opaque, especially for vehicles with factory-installed tinted windows, and accuse officers of using the policy as a pretext for extortion.
As the legal proceedings continue, attention is now on the courts to determine not just the legality of the policy, but also whether the police’s insistence on enforcement during litigation amounts to contempt. The outcome is expected to shape future interactions between law enforcement agencies and citizens across the country.
