The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over its plan to resume enforcement of the suspended tinted glass permit policy beginning January 2, 2026, describing the move as a violation of the rule of law and judicial process.
The police had earlier announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, citing rising vehicle-related crimes as justification.
Hundeyin explained that the decision “follows a careful review of emerging security concerns and the need to ensure the safety of all citizens.”
NBA Accuses Police of Disregarding the Rule of Law
Reacting in a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), the NBA accused the police of showing “executive recklessness” and contempt for the judiciary.
“A press release dated 15th December 2025, issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, announcing the reactivation of the enforcement of the suspended tinted glass permit policy with effect from 2nd January 2026, has once again confirmed the sad reality that the Nigeria Police Force, despite being the foremost law enforcement agency in Nigeria, continues to exhibit a troubling disregard for the rule of law and the due process it is constitutionally mandated to uphold,” Osigwe said.
He added that the press statement “portrays the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership as lacking respect for the court, the rule of law, and due process.”
Legal Challenge Pending in Court
The NBA reminded the public that it had, through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), filed a suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the legality of the tinted glass permit policy.
The case, Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025, is between the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association and the Inspector General of Police and others.
The association is contesting the police’s authority to impose fees or financial obligations on citizens under the policy, describing it as “unconstitutional, illegal, extortionate, and a threat to citizens’ rights and economic well-being.”
The NBA expressed shock that the police announced the policy’s reactivation barely one working day after the court relied on the undertaking of the defendants’ counsel not to proceed with enforcement.
“This volte-face represents a reckless overreach, a contemptuous disregard for the authority of the Court, and a serious assault on institutional integrity. It portrays the Nigeria Police Force as having scant regard for the rule of law and as a body insistent on imposing financial hardship on Nigerians for the financial gains of private business owners/interests,” the statement added.
NBA Issues Strong Warnings
The NBA demanded that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, withdraw the public statement issued by CSP Hundeyin and suspend all enforcement activities related to the policy pending the final determination of the court case.
It also directed all its branches and Human Rights Committees to provide legal assistance to any Nigerian harassed, arrested, or prosecuted under the renewed enforcement effort.
The association warned that it would initiate contempt proceedings against both the IGP and the Force spokesperson if the directive was ignored.
“The NBA will not allow citizens to be subjected to intimidation in a matter currently before the courts,” the statement declared.
Furthermore, the association said it would begin professional disciplinary actions against any lawyer who misled the court on the matter, insisting that the undertaking given by the police’s counsel in court remains binding.
Citing the Supreme Court’s ruling in Governor of Lagos State v. Ojukwu (1986), the NBA maintained that the executive arm must not act in defiance of judicial authority.
Appeal to the Presidency
The NBA also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, warning that enforcing the tinted glass permit policy at this stage would “undermine the authority of the courts” and “impose needless financial hardship on citizens.”
