by Willy Okonji
OREROKPE, DELTA STATE – A High Court in Delta State has slammed the brakes on the Nigeria Police Force’s plan to resume the enforcement of tinted glass permits, which was originally scheduled to begin early next year.
In a significant ruling delivered yesterday, Justice Joe Egwu issued an ex-parte injunction restraining the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Delta State Commissioner of Police from implementing the policy across the country.
The Legal Challenge
The order follows a lawsuit (Suit No: HOR/FHR/M.3/2025) filed by human rights activist Mr. Israel Joe. Represented by a legal team led by Kunle Edun, SAN, the plaintiff sought to prevent what he characterized as potential harassment and the unlawful use of private accounts for government revenue.
The court’s decision effectively suspends the police announcement made recently, which had set January 2, 2026, as the commencement date for nationwide enforcement.
Key Rulings from the Bench
In his judgment, Justice Egwu was explicit in protecting motorists from police interference while the substantive case is being decided. The court ordered:
“An order of interim injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd respondents… from implementing, enforcing or further implementing/enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit Policy scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.”
The judge further prohibited officers from using the policy as a pretext for misconduct, stating:
“An order of interim injunction restraining the [police] from stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining or extorting citizens/motorists under the guise of enforcing the Tinted Glass Permit Policy.”Financial Transparency Concerns
A notable aspect of the injunction involves the financial management of the permit scheme. The court restrained the IGP and the NPF from using a private contractor’s account—specifically the Parkway Projects Account—to conduct official government business.
Justice Egwu also granted an order for substituted service, allowing the IGP and the NPF to be served legal papers through the Delta State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba.
What This Means for Motorists
- Enforcement Halted: The January 2 deadline is no longer legally enforceable.
- No Arrests: Police are barred from arresting or detaining drivers specifically for tinted glass permits while this order subsists.
- Legal Scrutiny: The court will now move to hear the substantive arguments regarding the legality and transparency of the policy.
The interim injunction will remain in force until the court reaches a final determination on the substantive suit.
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