When Kyukun, Inspector General of Police rolled out a new tinted‑glass permit rule, the legal community in Nigeria went into overdrive. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) filed a lawsuit on October 2, 2025, accusing the police chief of overstepping constitutional boundaries.
Background of the tinted‑glass permit policy
The directive first floated in April 2025, mandating that every motorist with tinted vehicle windows secure an annual permit through a brand‑new digital portal. Initially slated for a June 1 start, the rollout was pushed back to October 2, giving owners a few extra weeks to comply – or, as many drivers discovered, to face penalties.
According to the police, the move was meant to curb illegal tinting that hinders law‑enforcement visibility. Critics, however, argue the policy is less about safety and more about generating revenue while tightening state control over private property.
NBA’s legal move and key players
At a pre‑conference National Executive Council meeting in Enugu on August 23, 2025, the NBA resolved to challenge the measure in court. Paul Ananaba, chairman of the association’s public‑interest and development laws section, warned that the digital permit system lacked transparency and could be weaponised against ordinary citizens.
“We are looking at a policy that not only sidesteps due process but also opens the door for arbitrary enforcement,” Ananaba told reporters. “The portal’s criteria are vague, the fees are unclear, and there is no independent oversight.”
The lawsuit, filed in the Federal High Court, hinges on two main arguments: first, that the policy infringes on the right to property under Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution; second, that the implementation violates procedural fairness guaranteed by Article 36.
Police enforcement and the judge’s car incident
Enforcement kicked off on the day the policy officially took effect – October 2, 2025. The Nigeria Police Force (Nigeria Police Force) began stopping cars, checking digital permits, and, in a shocking twist, impounded the vehicle of a sitting judge who had allegedly failed to produce a valid permit.
The incident sent ripples through the legal fraternity. Many lawyers saw it as an intimidation tactic, while the police defended the action as routine. “We are applying the law uniformly,” a senior officer said, refusing to name the judge.
Following the seizure, the NBA issued an urgent appeal urging the police to halt enforcement until the constitutional issues are resolved. The association’s statement warned that continued action could erode public confidence in both the judicial and law‑enforcement institutions.
Constitutional arguments and potential impact
The crux of the case lies in whether the state can require a permit for something as ordinary as window tint. Legal scholars are divided. Professor Chinyere Okonkwo of the University of Lagos argues that “any state‑imposed restriction on private property must meet a strict test of necessity and proportionality.” Others, like former Attorney‑General Abdullahi Yusuf, contend that the government has a legitimate interest in ensuring road safety.
If the court sides with the NBA, the immediate effect would be a suspension of the permit system, likely prompting the police to revert to traditional visual inspections – a method many said was already ineffective.
Conversely, if the policy survives judicial scrutiny, motorists could face ongoing fees, a digital compliance burden, and the spectre of vehicle impoundment for non‑compliance. The business community worries about the added cost, especially for fleet operators who already navigate a maze of licences.
What comes next for the case?
The Federal High Court is expected to deliver a preliminary judgment by the end of November 2025. Both sides have appointed seasoned counsel; the NBA has enlisted former Supreme Court Justice Kayode Adeniyi, while the police are represented by the Ministry of Interior’s legal team.
In the meantime, the NBA has called for a public hearing, inviting civil‑society groups, motorist associations, and human‑rights watchdogs to weigh in. The outcome could set a precedent for how Nigeria balances regulatory ambition with constitutional safeguards.
Key facts at a glance
- Policy introduced: April 2025
- Original start date: June 1 2025 (postponed)
- Actual enforcement date: October 2 2025
- Legal challenge filed: October 2 2025 by the NBA
- Primary complainant: Paul Ananaba
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the lawsuit affect motorists seeking tinted‑glass permits?
If the court grants an injunction, enforcement will pause, meaning drivers can operate without the digital permit until a final ruling. Should the policy be upheld, motorists must register on the portal, pay the prescribed fee, and display the permit – failure to do so could result in fines or vehicle impoundment.
What constitutional rights does the NBA claim are violated?
The NBA argues the rule breaches the right to private property and the guarantee of fair procedural conduct. Specifically, it points to Chapter II’s protection against arbitrary deprivation of property and Article 36’s requirement for due process in administrative actions.
Who is Inspector General Kyukun and what role did he play in the policy?
Kyukun, appointed in January 2025, is the head of the Nigeria Police Force. He announced the tinted‑glass permit directive during a press briefing in April and oversaw its rollout through the police command structure, making him the primary architect of the enforcement plan.
What happened with the judge’s vehicle during enforcement?
On the first day of enforcement, officers stopped a high‑court judge’s car, claimed the driver lacked a valid tinted‑glass permit, and impounded the vehicle. The incident sparked outrage among lawyers, who saw it as a breach of judicial independence and an overreach of police powers.
When is the policy expected to be fully enforced, pending the court’s decision?
The policy was slated for full nationwide roll‑out on October 2 2025. If the court issues a stay order, enforcement may be suspended indefinitely. Otherwise, the police have indicated they will continue checks across all states throughout the remainder of the year.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
This tinted‑glass permit thing just adds another headache for everyday drivers.