“Protecting Nigerians’ Rights” — NBA-SPIDEL Files Suit Against Police Tinted Glass Policy

Prof. Paul Ananaba SAN, Chairman of the Section on Public Interest and Development Law (SPIDEL) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has announced that the NBA has formally challenged the legality of the Nigeria Police Force’s tinted glass permit policy.

Speaking on Wednesday, September 2, 2025, Prof. Ananaba stated that the Association, through SPIDEL, has instituted a public interest action before the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 ), against the Inspector General of Police and another respondent, questioning the legal foundation of the policy.

“The NBA, through SPIDEL, is committed to protecting the fundamental rights of Nigerians. The tinted glass permit policy raises serious concerns regarding citizens’ rights to privacy, freedom of movement, and ownership of property,” Prof. Ananaba said.

The Inspector General of Police introduced the policy in April 2025, mandating motorists to obtain annual motor tinted glass permits through a digital portal (possap.gov.ng) for a fee. The NBA highlighted that the portal is managed by a private vendor and there is no clarity that funds collected will go into the Federation Account.

Despite the enforcement date being extended from June 1 to October 2, 2025, reports indicate incidents of harassment and extortion of motorists at police checkpoints. Prof. Ananaba raised concerns over the policy’s reliance on the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, a military-era law, which may not meet constitutional standards under Section 45 of the 1999 Constitution.

Additional issues flagged by the NBA include the absence of provisions for permit renewal and the collection of fees into a private account (PARKWAY PROJECTS Account No: 4001017918), which raises questions about transparency.

Prof. Ananaba SAN assured that the NBA-SPIDEL, under his leadership and that of the Public Interest Litigation Committee chaired by Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, SAN, would pursue the litigation to its logical conclusion. He also urged all parties to respect the judicial process and suspend enforcement of the policy pending the court’s pronouncement.

“The NBA is determined to ensure that Nigerians’ rights are not infringed upon by policies lacking statutory or constitutional backing,” Prof. Ananaba added.