Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has issued an interim order directing the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police to maintain the status quo in the ongoing legal tussle over the controversial tinted glass permit.
The case, filed as Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025: John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police & Nigeria Police Force, came up for hearing earlier today. The presiding judge ordered that police authorities must respect judicial processes and refrain from any action that could prejudice the matter until further proceedings are concluded.
Confirming the development, Kunle Edun, SAN, who led the legal team for the applicant, described the ruling as a significant step in upholding the rule of law. He emphasized that the court’s directive reinforces the principle that no institution is above judicial scrutiny and that citizens’ rights must be protected while the substantive issues are under consideration.
The controversy surrounding the tinted glass permit has lingered for years. Initially introduced as a security measure to help law enforcement officers distinguish vehicles with potentially criminal intent, the regulation quickly drew criticism from motorists and civil rights advocates. Many argued that the enforcement process was often inconsistent, with citizens frequently harassed at checkpoints and compelled to pay for permits whose legal basis has been questioned.
In 2022, the Inspector General of Police had announced a suspension of the issuance of new tinted permits, citing security reviews. However, sporadic enforcement by officers continued, leading to widespread confusion and public complaints. Legal experts note that this current case could mark a turning point in clarifying whether the police can lawfully demand permits or penalize motorists without clear legislative backing.
Observers say the Warri court’s ruling is only an interim measure, but it sets the tone for a larger debate about balancing national security concerns with the protection of civil liberties. The adjourned date for further hearings is expected to be announced shortly, and stakeholders across the legal, civic, and transport sectors are awaiting the outcome with keen interest.
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