The Nigeria Police Force has suspended plans to enforce the ban on the use of tinted glass on vehicles across the country, following an interim court order restraining the force from proceeding with the policy. The enforcement, which was earlier scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026, has now been put on hold until further notice.
The development was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin. He explained that the suspension was in compliance with a court order issued on December 17, 2025, in a suit marked HOR/FHR/M/31/2025.
According to the police, the order restrains the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the tinted glass permit policy pending the hearing and determination of the main case before the court or until the order is set aside.
On December 15, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force announced that it would resume full enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy nationwide. The announcement stated that enforcement would take effect from January 2, 2026.
The police said the move was part of efforts to improve public safety and strengthen internal security across the country. Tinted glasses, especially when used without proper authorization, have long been linked by security agencies to criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes.
Under existing regulations, vehicles with factory-fitted or customized tinted glasses are required to obtain permits from the police. The permits are meant to help security agencies easily identify vehicles and prevent criminals from hiding behind darkened windows.
However, the announcement of the planned enforcement sparked public debate, with many Nigerians expressing concern over possible harassment, extortion, and abuse of power by security officers on the roads.
Following the announcement, the police were served with an interim order from a competent court, stopping the enforcement of the policy. Hundeyin said the order was issued on December 17, 2025, just two days after the enforcement plan was made public.
He noted that in line with the constitution and respect for the rule of law, the Nigeria Police Force has complied fully with the court’s directive.
“Subsequent to the announcement, the Force was served with an interim order of court restraining it from proceeding with the enforcement plan, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit or the vacation of the order,” Hundeyin said.
As a result, the enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy has been suspended nationwide until the court gives a final ruling on the matter.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Force has already entered appearance in the case and taken steps to challenge the interim order through lawful means.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force has raised preliminary objections and formally applied for the vacation of the interim order.
“The court has adjourned the case to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings,” Hundeyin stated.
Until the court makes a final decision, the police said they are bound by law to suspend enforcement of the policy across the country.
“Accordingly, and strictly in compliance with the subsisting court order, the Nigeria Police Force has placed the enforcement of the Tinted Glass Permit policy on hold nationwide, pending the decision of the court,” the statement added.
Hundeyin also quoted the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, as reaffirming the commitment of the Police Force to the rule of law.
According to the police, the IGP emphasized that while the Force remains focused on its duty to protect lives and property, it will always respect judicial authority and constitutional processes.
“The Inspector-General of Police affirms that the Police Force remains resolute in upholding the rule of law while discharging its primary mandate of protecting lives and property,” the statement said.
The IGP also assured Nigerians that the police would continue to adopt lawful and intelligence-driven strategies to address security challenges, even as the tinted glass policy remains on hold.
The issue of tinted glass has been a long-standing one in Nigeria. Over the years, security agencies have raised concerns that criminals often use tinted vehicles to avoid detection, monitor targets, or escape after committing crimes.
In response, the police introduced a permit system to regulate the use of tinted glass. However, enforcement has been inconsistent, with several suspensions and resumptions under different police leaderships.
Many motorists have complained that previous enforcement exercises led to harassment and extortion at checkpoints. Some drivers also argue that many modern vehicles come with factory-fitted tinted glass, making it difficult to comply without clear guidelines.
Civil society groups and legal practitioners have also questioned the legality of stopping vehicles solely based on tinted glass, especially without clear proof of criminal intent.
The announcement that enforcement had been suspended has been welcomed by many Nigerians, particularly motorists and transport unions. Some road users expressed relief, saying it would reduce unnecessary tension on the roads.
Others, however, believe that regulating tinted glass is important for security and urged the police to find a transparent and fair way to enforce the policy once legal issues are resolved.
With the case adjourned to January 20, 2026, attention is now on the court’s decision. The outcome will determine whether the police can proceed with the enforcement or if changes will be required to the existing policy.
The police assured members of the public that they would provide clear information and guidance once the court reaches a decision.
“Members of the public will be duly informed of further developments and clear guidance will be issued as appropriate following the court’s determination of the matter, in the overriding interest of public order and national security,” Hundeyin said.
The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians to remain calm and patient while the legal process runs its course. The Force also called for continued cooperation between citizens and security agencies in the fight against crime.
As the debate over tinted glass continues, many Nigerians are hopeful that any final policy will address security concerns without causing hardship or abuse.