“Your Duty is to Protect Nigerians, Not Extort Them”: NBA Blasts IGP Over Planned Resumption of Tinted Glass Permit Enforcement
By Emmanuel Kwada
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the Nigeria Police Force’s decision to resume enforcement of the controversial tinted glass permit policy from January 2, 2026, describing it as an unlawful extortion scheme and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
In a fiery press conference held in Abuja, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) accused Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun of prioritizing revenue generation over public protection.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe flanked by other officials during the press conference in Abuja
“Your duty is to protect Nigerians, not extort them,” Osigwe declared, emphasizing that the police are a law enforcement agency, not a revenue-generating entity.
The NBA’s outburst follows a December 15 statement by Force Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin announcing the resumption of nationwide enforcement, citing a surge in vehicle-related crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping facilitated by unauthorised tinted glass.
Osigwe recounted the policy’s troubled history: Introduced in April 2025, it required motorists to obtain annual permits via an online platform (possap.gov.ng), with enforcement initially slated for June 1 before being postponed multiple times amid public backlash.
This is executive recklessness and a grave affront to the court’s majesty
Reports of widespread harassment, extortion, and civil rights violations, particularly targeting young Nigerians prompted the NBA’s intervention.
On September 2, 2025, the NBA’s Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL) filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025) at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the policy’s constitutionality.
The association argues that it is based on the outdated Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act of 1991—a military-era decree incompatible with the 1999 Constitution—and lacks legal basis for imposing fees or annual renewals.
Further, Osigwe highlighted opacity in the process: Payments are directed into private accounts rather than the Treasury Single Account (TSA), raising questions about transparency, accountability, and potential corruption.
Nigeria police officer doing a stop and search
“How did they arrive at the fees? How is the money spent or shared? Why nullify previously issued permits?” he asked.
The NBA president noted that following public outcry and court processes, the IGP met with NBA representatives, agreeing to suspend enforcement pending judicial resolution.
A related case in Warri saw a court order maintaining the status quo. Yet, the recent announcement came just days after police counsel reportedly gave undertakings in court.
“This is executive recklessness and a grave affront to the court’s majesty,” Osigwe said, warning that resuming enforcement during the festive season would exacerbate hardships for Nigerians already grappling with economic challenges.
Payments are directed into private accounts rather than the Treasury Single Account
It would encourage roadside extortion, vehicle impoundments, and impeded travel as people head to villages for holidays.
The NBA has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against IGP Egbetokun and CSP Hundeyin if the policy proceeds.
It has also directed all branches and its Human Rights Committee to provide free legal aid to any motorist harassed, arrested, or penalized under the policy.
Osigwe called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, to intervene and direct the IGP to halt the “unlawful activity.” A letter has been sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation urging similar action.
The police, however, maintain there is no restraining court order and that the earlier suspension was voluntary for public convenience.
They insist the digital platform ensures security and transparency, with fees covering database maintenance and biometric verification.
As the January deadline approaches, the dispute underscores broader tensions over police conduct, rule of law, and economic burdens on citizens. Legal experts predict intensified court battles, with the NBA vowing to pursue the matter “to a logical conclusion.”
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