Court Stops IGP, NPF From Enforcing Tinted Glass Permit Nationwide
A Delta State High Court has issued an order restraining the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy across the country.
The order was granted by Justice Joe Egwu, sitting at the High Court in Orerokpe, Delta State, following an ex-parte application filed by a Nigerian citizen, Mr. Israel Joe, who challenged the legality of the tinted glass permit enforcement by the police.
In the suit, the applicant asked the court to stop the IGP, the NPF, and the Commissioner of Police in Delta State from implementing the policy, arguing that its enforcement had led to widespread harassment, intimidation, extortion, and violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Granting the application, Justice Egwu restrained the police authorities and their agents from stopping, arresting, detaining, or harassing motorists on the basis of tinted glass permit enforcement pending the determination of the substantive suit. The court also barred the police from carrying out any action nationwide in furtherance of the policy until the matter is fully heard and decided.
The court further directed that parties should maintain the status quo, effectively halting the planned nationwide resumption of enforcement earlier announced by the police.
The tinted glass permit policy has generated intense public debate, with many Nigerians and civil society groups accusing law enforcement officers of using it as a tool for extortion rather than security. The Nigeria Police Force had defended the policy, citing security concerns and the need to regulate the use of tinted vehicles.
Following the ruling, legal analysts say the decision underscores the importance of due process and the rule of law, especially in matters affecting the rights of citizens. The case has been adjourned to a later date for hearing of the substantive motion.
For now, the court order remains in force, effectively stopping the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy nationwide.
