The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has vowed to provide free legal services to Nigerians harassed by the police over the controversial tinted glass permit, describing the policy as “illegal” and unconstitutional.
Through its Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), the NBA condemned the enforcement of the permit, warning that the police had no legal authority to impose fees or renewals on motorists. It argued that the move was a revenue-driven scheme rather than a genuine security measure.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chairman of the NBA’s Public Interest Litigation Committee, Olukunle Edun (SAN), said the association would use the courts to protect citizens’ rights:
“Any Nigerian harassed by the police in the purported enforcement of the illegal tinted glass permit should contact any NBA branch. Our 130 branches nationwide are ready to provide pro bono services.”
Edun claimed the police could generate up to N3bn monthly from the scheme, effectively turning the force into a revenue agency instead of focusing on fighting crime.
The NBA, in a letter to the Inspector General of Police dated October 2, 2025, reminded the police of a pending suit at the Federal High Court, Abuja—FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025—challenging the legality of the policy. It insisted that the police must maintain the status quo until judgment is delivered.
The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA, seeks to declare the 1991 Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Decree unconstitutional, arguing that motorists cannot be compelled to pay fees or renew permits. The association also accused the police of planning to divert funds through a private account instead of the government’s Treasury Single Account.
NBA lawyer, Godspower Eroga, noted that the law cited by the police sets no clear standard for tinting and is incompatible with modern vehicles that often come with factory-installed tinted glass. He further pointed out that senior police officers drive SUVs with heavily tinted windows without permits.
The NBA maintained that the police cannot impose what amounts to taxation without legislation, stressing: “The Nigeria Police Force is not a revenue-generating agency of the Federal Government.”
Meanwhile, NBA-SPIDEL condemned an incident in Asaba, Delta State, where police impounded the vehicle of Justice O. A. Ogunbowale of the National Industrial Court on the first day of enforcement. The body described it as an “embarrassing and avoidable” situation that underscored the dangers of the policy.
The association revealed it had tried to secure an injunction to stop the enforcement, but the Federal High Court’s vacation judge declined to hear the application due to procedural limits.
NBA concluded by urging the judiciary to act in the public interest, warning that its authority is best preserved by preventing chaos, even if it requires flexibility with procedural rules.
