A Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, has ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to maintain the status quo in a suit challenging the legality of the newly revived tinted permit enforcement regime.

The suit, filed by lawyer John Aikpokpo-Martins, questions whether the Police have acted within the bounds of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991, which permits tinted glass only for “good cause,” such as medical or security reasons.

The Police had earlier reintroduced the tinted permit policy through its digital platform, POSSAP, after years of suspension, citing widespread complaints of motorists with factory-fitted tints facing harassment. Full enforcement began in June 2025 following a 30-day grace period, later extended twice — first to August and then to October — to give motorists more time to comply. The force defended the scheme on security grounds, arguing that criminals frequently exploit vehicles with opaque glass to evade detection.

Critics, however, say the blanket enforcement is unconstitutional, disproportionately targets law-abiding motorists, and infringes on rights to privacy and freedom of movement. Aikpokpo-Martins further warned that the framework risks fueling fresh avenues for harassment by security operatives.

The Nigerian Bar Association has also filed a separate suit, faulting the transparency and constitutionality of the framework. Concerns have been raised over fee collection, accessibility of the online application portal, and the potential for abuse during road checks.

While the Police insist the policy is both lawful and necessary for public safety, the Warri court’s directive has effectively frozen enforcement. Until the legal challenges are resolved, motorists remain in limbo over compliance requirements and the legitimacy of the scheme.