A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) challenging the enforcement of the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy by the Nigeria Police Force, ruling that the use of tinted glass on vehicles is not a constitutionally protected right.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/182/2025, Justice Suleman Liman of Court 11, Federal High Court, Maitama, resolved all issues in favour of the defendants — the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.
The suit was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of the NBA on behalf of the association, Nigerian legal practitioners and the general motoring public.
In the judgment, the court held that the NBA failed to prove its allegations that the tinted glass permit policy was illegal. Justice Liman found that the association did not discharge the burden of proof required to sustain its claims.
The court also ruled that the NBA lacked the locus standi to institute and maintain the action, noting that the claims presented did not demonstrate any breach of the provisions of Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution or the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules.
Justice Liman further held that the association failed to show that any legal injury had been suffered that would justify the court’s intervention, adding that the suit did not disclose any reasonable cause of action.
The judge observed that the concerns raised by the NBA appeared to be based largely on institutional convenience rather than any legally enforceable right.
On the substantive issue, the court declared that the use of tinted glass on vehicles is not a constitutional right. Justice Liman described the permit policy as a security-related measure aimed at addressing criminal activities and enhancing public safety.
According to the court, the police cannot be restrained from implementing policies designed to protect citizens and maintain security.
The suit arose following the reintroduction of the tinted glass permit regime by the Inspector-General of Police under the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act. The policy requires vehicle owners using tinted glass to obtain annual permits through an online platform.
The NBA had argued that the policy was unconstitutional, illegal and susceptible to abuse by police officers through extortion.