The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the reintroduced tinted-glass permit policy.
The policy, unveiled in April 2025 and scheduled for enforcement from October 2, requires motorists to obtain annual permits through a digital portal at a fee. The NBA, however, argues that the directive is unlawful, infringes on fundamental rights, and raises serious transparency concerns.
In a statement on Thursday, Chairman of the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), said information available to the association showed that payments are being routed into a private account operated by Parkway Projects instead of the Federation Account.
“The policy lacks legal foundation and violates constitutionally guaranteed rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement and property,” the statement read. “We have also received reports of harassment and extortion of citizens at police checkpoints under the guise of enforcement.”
The association further questioned the reliance on the 1991 Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, describing it as a military-era decree that does not meet constitutional standards in a democratic society.
The suit, filed on September 2, 2025, is titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025). It has not yet been assigned to a judge.
The NBA urged the police to suspend implementation of the policy until the matter is determined in court.
The Force had earlier defended the initiative as part of efforts to boost transparency and strengthen national security. However, many motorists have criticised the N16,000 permit fee as harsh in the face of current economic challenges.