The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has promised free legal services for citizens harassed by police over the tinted glass permit policy, which it calls unlawful.
The NBA’s Public Interest and Development Law Section denounced the policy as a revenue-driven tactic lacking constitutional backing.
Legal Challenge
On October 2, 2025, Olukunle Edun, NBA Public Interest Litigation Committee Chairman, declared,
“We’ll use the courts to stop police overreach.
Our 130 branches offer pro bono help to those harassed.”
He estimated police could earn N3 billion monthly from the policy, turning them into a revenue agency.
Court Case
The NBA filed suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025) in Abuja’s Federal High Court, challenging the 1991 Tinted Glass Decree’s legality.
The suit seeks to void the policy, arguing it violates the 1999 Constitution and demands an end to police arrests and extortion.
Policy Flaws
NBA lawyer Godspower Eroga alleged police plan to funnel fees into a private account, bypassing the Treasury Single Account.
He noted the law lacks clear tint standards and conflicts with modern vehicles’ factory-installed windows. Past police leaders had also suspended the permit system.
Police Contradictions
Eroga pointed out that senior officers use heavily tinted vehicles without permits, undermining enforcement.
“This isn’t taxation; it’s exploitation without legal backing,” he said.
Asaba Incident
On the policy’s first day, police in Asaba impounded a National Industrial Court judge’s vehicle, prompting NBA outrage.
“This shows the policy’s recklessness,” the NBA stated, calling it an avoidable embarrassment.
Failed Injunction
The NBA sought a last-minute court order to halt enforcement, but a vacation judge declined, citing procedural rules.
“A simple ruling could’ve spared the public,” the NBA noted, urging judges to prioritize public interest.
Why It Matters
The tinted glass policy highlights tensions between police actions and citizens’ rights, with the NBA pushing for judicial intervention to curb overreach.
What’s Next
In October 2025, the NBA awaits a court ruling while offering legal aid to challenge police harassment over tinted glass permits.
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