The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has warned it will take committal action against Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun and CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force\u2019s public relations officer, over the planned resumption of the suspended motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy.<\/p>\n
In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe on Tuesday, the lawyers said the IGP risks contempt proceedings if he fails to halt the policy, which they describe as a \u201cgrave affront to the majesty of the court.\u201d The statement also warned that any counsel found misleading the court would face professional sanctions.<\/p>\n
The warning came in response to a press release by Hundeyin on December 15, announcing that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume from January 2, 2026.<\/p>\n
The NBA recalled that the policy, first introduced in April 2025, had previously been postponed due to widespread complaints of harassment, civil rights violations, and extortion, especially targeting young drivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, on which this policy is based, is a military-era law that does not comply with democratic and constitutional standards,\u201d the NBA argued. \u201cThe policy is unconstitutional, illegal, and a revenue-generating scheme disguised as law enforcement.\u201d<\/p>\n
The association also noted that the IGP had previously suspended enforcement after engaging with the NBA and agreeing to follow court directives. Resuming the policy \u201cjust one day after a court motion was struck out based on the IGP\u2019s undertaking\u201d constitutes what the NBA calls \u201creckless overreach.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NBA urged the police to withdraw the statement and maintain the suspension pending the outcome of pending court cases. The lawyers have also directed their branches and Human Rights Committee to provide legal assistance to anyone harassed or penalised under the policy.<\/p>\n
In response, the Nigerian Police Force defended the policy, citing rising security threats, including armed robbery and kidnapping linked to vehicles with unauthorised tinted glass. CSP Hundeyin said the earlier suspension was voluntary and that the policy aims to protect lives and property, urging motorists to comply through official channels.<\/p>\n
The standoff underscores tensions between the police and the legal profession over enforcement of the tinted glass law and raises questions about adherence to court orders in Nigeria\u2019s rule of law.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"