NBA sues IG of Police over tinted glass permit policy
NBA sues IG of Police over tinted glass permit policy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has filed a lawsuit against Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, challenging the newly implemented tinted glass permit policy.
The NBA argues the policy is illegal and violates the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
The suit, filed on September 2 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, follows a resolution by the NBA’s National Executive Council to oppose the policy.
The policy, introduced in April 2025, requires motorists to pay a fee for an annual tinted glass permit through a digital portal managed by a private company.
The NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) filed the suit, stating that the policy raises serious questions about legality and accountability.
The NBA claims that the policy, which was set to take effect on October 2, lacks a clear legal foundation and violates citizens’ rights. The association’s concerns include:
Unclear Legal Basis: The NBA argues that the policy appears to be based on a 1991 military decree, the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act, which may not be “reasonably justifiable in a democratic society” as required by the constitution.
Financial Mismanagement: The association noted that the digital portal is managed by a private vendor and alleges that payments for the permits are being directed to a private company, Parkway Projects, instead of the Federation Account or the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
Harassment and Extortion: The NBA reported that even before the official enforcement date, there have been complaints of police officers harassing and extorting citizens over the policy.
Violation of Rights: The suit claims the policy infringes upon citizens’ rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property.
Paul Ananaba, SAN, the chairman of NBA’s SPIDEL, urged the police to suspend the enforcement of the policy until the court makes a final decision. The case has not yet been assigned to a judge.
