The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has sued the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Federal High Court over the controversial tinted-glass permit policy, describing it as unlawful and a violation of fundamental rights.

The suit, filed on September 2, 2025, through the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL), challenges the legality and constitutionality of the directive. The case is titled The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. The Inspector General of Police & Anor (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025).

The policy, introduced in April 2025 and now slated for enforcement from October 2, requires motorists to obtain annual permits for tinted vehicle glass via a digital portal. Applicants are charged N16,000.

In a statement signed by SPIDEL Chairman, Prof. Paul Ananaba (SAN), the NBA expressed concern that permit fees are being paid into a private account linked to Parkway Projects, rather than the Federation Account or the Treasury Single Account.

The association also alleged that even before formal enforcement, motorists have reported harassment and extortion at police checkpoints under the guise of the policy.

“The directive infringes on constitutionally guaranteed rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property,” the NBA argued.

The body further questioned the policy’s reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, a 1991 military decree, saying it may not satisfy constitutional standards of being “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society.”

The NBA urged the police to suspend enforcement pending the court’s ruling, while vowing to pursue the case to its conclusion.

The police had reintroduced the tinted-glass permit platform on May 1, 2025, after years of criticism over extortion and arbitrary arrests. While the Force insists the policy will enhance transparency and security, many Nigerians argue the annual fee is unjustifiable in today’s economic climate.