The Nigeria Police Force has officially halted its planned nationwide enforcement of a new tinted glass permit policy. This sudden suspension comes in direct response to a court order issued just one day before the controversial policy was set to begin.
Court Injunction Forces Policy U-Turn
Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, announced the suspension on Thursday, January 1, 2026. He stated that the enforcement, which was scheduled to commence on January 2, 2026, is now on hold. The decision follows an ex parte injunction granted by a Delta State High Court in December 2025.
The court order restrains the police from implementing the tinted glass permit policy across the entire country. A private citizen filed the suit against the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force as an institution, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police.
Public Clash with the Nigerian Bar Association
The matter has ignited a significant public dispute between the police and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). After the police initially announced plans to resume enforcement in 2026, citing an increase in vehicle-related crimes, the NBA strongly criticized the move.
The legal body accused the police of ignoring a valid court order. It described the police's stance as an act of executive recklessness and a clear violation of the rule of law and due process.
In their earlier defense, the police maintained that no court order had permanently declared the policy unlawful or stopped them from performing their statutory duties. However, the situation changed after they were formally served with the interim court order.
Legal Process and Next Steps
Providing a crucial update, Hundeyin confirmed that the police have now been properly served. The force has taken several legal steps, including entering an appearance in court, raising preliminary objections, and applying for the injunction to be vacated.
The case has been adjourned to January 20, 2026, for further proceedings. Hundeyin emphasized that the suspension of enforcement is a act of strict compliance with the standing court order.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reaffirmed the force's commitment to upholding the rule of law. He stressed that this commitment exists alongside their core responsibility to protect lives and property nationwide.
Hundeyin added that while the legal process continues, the police will persist in using lawful and intelligence-driven strategies to tackle security challenges and ensure public safety across Nigeria.
