The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced a temporary suspension of the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991. The decision, according to the Nigeria Police Force, was taken in consideration of public interest and in deference to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which had raised concerns over the ongoing implementation of the regulation.
A statement released on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, revealed that the decision came after a crucial meeting between the police chief and a high-powered delegation from the NBA, led by its President, Afam Osigwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The meeting, held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, focused on balancing the enforcement of the tinted glass law with citizens’ rights and the need to uphold the rule of law.
Hundeyin explained that while there is no formal court order currently stopping the enforcement of the Act, the Inspector-General’s decision to halt it temporarily was made “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association,” pending the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.
He added that the discussion with the NBA emphasized the importance of synergy between the police and legal community to ensure fairness, transparency, and respect for due process in law enforcement. The Force spokesperson disclosed that a joint Police–NBA Committee has been established to strengthen cooperation between both institutions in addressing issues affecting the administration of justice.
According to the statement, “The Inspector-General of Police has received a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The meeting, which centred on the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.”
The Force further clarified that although the enforcement is temporarily on hold, motorists are encouraged to use the opportunity to regularise their documentation and ensure compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of tinted or shaded vehicle glasses in Nigeria.
Okay News reports that the Nigeria Police Force assured citizens of its commitment to fairness, transparency, and respect for human rights in the enforcement of existing laws. The Inspector-General reiterated that the Force will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure that its operations are in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, had in the case of John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025), directed the Police to suspend enforcement of tinted glass permits pending the determination of the substantive case. The court also ordered that the Police maintain the status quo, effectively putting a hold on any punitive measures against motorists until the final judgment is delivered.
Earlier, on October 4, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin, had stated via his official X handle that the Police had not yet been formally served with the court order at the time.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General reaffirmed the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to comply with all judicial pronouncements and to continue enforcing existing laws with fairness and accountability. He also appealed to vehicle owners to make use of the suspension period to put their vehicle papers in order and adhere to all traffic and safety regulations.
