The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, following discussions with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
In a statement released on Thursday, October 9, Force spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin said the decision came after a meeting between Egbetokun and a delegation from the NBA, led by its President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Hundeyin explained that the conversation focused on the ongoing enforcement of the tinted glass law and the need for closer cooperation between the Police and the Bar to promote the rule of law and build public trust.
Although no formal court order currently halts the enforcement, the police said they chose to suspend the exercise “out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association.”
The decision will remain in effect until the hearing of a motion on notice scheduled for October 16, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.
Hundeyin stated, “The visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.”
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He added that to strengthen collaboration, a joint Police–NBA committee has been established to ensure ongoing engagement between both institutions.
Hundeyin advised motorists to use the suspension period to regularise their vehicle documentation and comply fully with existing laws regulating the use of tinted or shaded glass.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice,” he said.
The suspension follows a recent Federal High Court ruling in Warri directing the police to maintain the status quo in a case filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Nigeria Police Force and the IGP.
The court had ordered the police to halt enforcement of tinted glass permits until the substantive suit is decided.
Hundeyin, however, noted earlier on October 4 that the Force had yet to be formally served with the court order.
The temporary suspension offers motorists relief, at least for now, as both the judiciary and the police work toward a lasting resolution on the controversial tinted glass regulation.