When Mansir Hassan, spokesperson for the Kaduna State Police Command announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2025, that his unit would begin enforcing the tinted glass permits requirement on Thursday, October 3, a surprising move unfolded: a Federal High Court in Warri had just issued an order freezing the same enforcement nationwide. The clash set the stage for a legal‑political showdown that could reshape how motorists are regulated across Nigeria.

Background to the Tinted‑Glass Permit Policy

In early October 2025 the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), acting on a directive from the Inspector‑General of Police, rolled out a country‑wide mandate: any vehicle with factory‑fitted or aftermarket tinted windows must obtain a digital permit via the Police Service Commission’s portal, possap.gov.ng. The reasoning, officials say, is to curb illegal vehicle modifications that impede law‑enforcement visibility and fuel illicit activities.

The regulation, dubbed the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP) scheme, requires owners to submit vehicle details, proof of ownership, and specifications of the tinting film. After an online application, officers conduct a physical verification at the local police headquarters before issuing a permit that expires every two years.

State‑Level Enforcement Plans

In Kaduna, Rabiu Muhammad, the state police commissioner, backed Hassan’s statement, emphasizing public safety. “Our command is committed to a secure environment,” he said, urging motorists to cooperate fully.

Meanwhile, Agbonika, commissioner of police in Edo State, warned that officers would begin impounding any car found with tinted glass lacking a valid permit. “We will not tolerate non‑compliance,” the Edo chief declared, adding that fines could reach ₦200,000 per violation.

Both states outlined a similar verification process: an online upload at the portal, followed by a visit to the respective command headquarters—Kaduna Command Headquarters for Kaduna drivers and the Benin City Police Command for Edo motorists.

Federal Court Intervention

Just hours after the state announcements, a three‑judge panel of the Federal High Court, Warri issued an interim injunction. The court ordered the NPF and the Inspector‑General to halt the nationwide enforcement of the TGP scheme until the pending case could be heard.

The injunction stemmed from John Aikpokpo‑Martins, a Lagos‑based legal practitioner, who filed Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 challenging the legality of the directive. Aikpokpo‑Martins argues that the regulation oversteps the police’s statutory powers and infringes on citizens’ constitutional right to privacy.

Chief Justice Justice (name unavailable) noted that the petitioner had demonstrated a “prima facie case” that the permit requirement could be ultra vires. Consequently, the court demanded that the police “respect judicial processes” and maintain the status quo pending a full hearing.

Reactions from Law Enforcement and Legal Experts

Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, who leads the petitioner’s legal team, hailed the ruling as “a significant step toward upholding the rule of law while substantive issues are ironed out.” He warned that premature enforcement could erode public trust.

On the other side, NPF spokesperson Mansir Hassan maintained that the police were “acting in good faith” and would comply with any final court order. “Our aim is safety, not intimidation,” he said.

The Police Service Commission, the body that hosts the online permit portal, issued a brief statement noting that it would cooperate fully with the court and adjust its rollout timetable accordingly.

Implications for Motorists and Next Steps

For everyday drivers, the immediate impact is mixed. In Kaduna and Edo, police are set to begin spot checks this Thursday, meaning anyone caught without a permit could face a fine, vehicle impoundment, or, in extreme cases, arrest. Yet the court’s injunction creates a legal gray area: the NPF is barred from a nationwide push, but state commands appear to be moving ahead regardless.

Legal analysts predict that the case will likely be heard in full by early December, when the Federal High Court will decide whether the TGP scheme aligns with existing traffic and privacy statutes. If the court ultimately strikes down the regulation, states may have to scrap their enforcement plans and refund any collected fees.

In the meantime, motorist groups across the country are urging the police to pause enforcement until a definitive ruling emerges. Social media hashtags like #StopTintedPermit have gained traction, reflecting public frustration over what many view as an unnecessary bureaucratic hurdle.

Key Facts

• Date of state enforcement start: Thursday, October 3 2025
• Court injunction issued: Friday, October 2 2025, by the Federal High Court, Warri
• Petitioner: John Aikpokpo‑Martins (Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025)
• Potential penalties: Fines up to ₦200,000, vehicle impoundment, possible arrest
• Online portal for permits: possap.gov.ng