The Federal High Court sitting in Warri has issued an interim order restraining the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police from further enforcing regulations on tinted glass permits, pending the determination of a legal challenge currently before it.

This directive came in response to Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 filed by John Aikpokpo-Martins against the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force.

The court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until substantive issues in the case are fully adjudicated.

This is even as Akwa Ibom Police are adamant to the court order, restraining the Police IG, Ogbetokun to refrain and maintain status quo ante bolum on the directive.

The ruling effectively pauses any police action regarding enforcement or prosecution tied to the Tinted Glass Permit (TGP), a matter that has sparked public outcry and legal scrutiny nationwide.

Kunle Edun, SAN, counsel for the applicant, hailed the ruling as a “strong affirmation of the rule of law”, adding that constitutional matters must follow due process rather than administrative force.

Despite the court order, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had earlier announced it would begin full enforcement of Tinted Glass Permit regulations starting October 2, 2025.

This enforcement is aligned with the Motor Vehicle (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, and applies to all motorists operating vehicles with tinted windows without valid authorization.

Authorities reiterated that the permits are now issued exclusively through the Police Specialized Services Automation Project (POSSAP), with prior grace periods granted for compliance.

Motorists without valid permits risk arrest and vehicle impoundment, with possible prosecution under existing laws.

While encouraging cooperation, the Command also urged the public to report any extortion or misconduct by officers to dedicated helplines.

It was observed that, motorists traversing Ibom Plaza and major roads in Uyo and it’s environs were “stopped and screened” by the Police in line with the earlier directive.

Some motorists said, some of the personnel have ventured beyond tinted glass exercise, and expressed delight for the court order.