The Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, on Friday ordered the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to suspend the enforcement of the tinted glass permit requirement for vehicle owners.

The court directed that the authorities maintain the status quo and “respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter.”

The interim order was issued at the commencement of proceedings in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, brought by legal practitioner John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

The suit challenges the legality of the newly reinstated tinted glass permit enforcement.

Senior Advocate Kunle Edun, SAN, who led the legal team for the petitioner, confirmed the development to journalists, noting that “the directive is a major step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive issues in the case are being determined.”

The tinted glass permit scheme had been reintroduced in April 2025 under the Police Specialised Services Automation Project after a suspension in 2022. The policy requires motorists to obtain permits for factory-fitted or aftermarket tinted vehicle windows, a move that has drawn public criticism amid concerns of harassment, extortion at checkpoints, and the fairness of enforcement.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun initially set a deadline of 12 August 2025 for compliance, which was later extended to 2 October 2025.

The Delta State Police Command had announced last week that it would begin full enforcement of the regulations across the state, stressing that the operation would be conducted with professionalism and respect for constitutional rights.

The Command also reiterated its commitment to enforcing existing restrictions on the unauthorised use of sirens, revolving or strobe lights, and the defacement or obstruction of vehicle number plates.