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.
This decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin. He stated that the move followed a high-level meeting between the police chief and a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which was led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The discussions during the meeting focused on the ongoing enforcement of the tinted glass law and underscored the critical need for cooperation between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.
Hundeyin clarified that while there is no clear, formal court order halting the enforcement of the law, the police have chosen to suspend the exercise “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association.” This suspension will remain in effect pending the hearing of a Motion on Notice that is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.
The statement read in part: “The Inspector-General of Police has received a delegation of the NBA led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe, SAN, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. The visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, 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.”
It continued: “The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians, and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.”
To further strengthen the relationship and ensure ongoing dialogue, a joint Police–NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the two institutions.
In the meantime, the police are urging all vehicle owners and motorists to take advantage of this temporary suspension window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice,” the statement concluded.
This development comes amidst reports that a Federal High Court had previously issued an order in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 — *John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector-General of Police & Nigeria Police Force* — directing the police to suspend the enforcement of the permits pending the determination of the substantive case. The court had further ordered the police to maintain the status quo. However, on October 4, the Force Public Relations Officer, Hundeyin, had stated that the police had not yet been formally served with that court order.
