The Nigerian Bar Association has threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over the planned resumption of enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy.
The association also named the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, warning that both officials could face committal proceedings if the policy is enforced while related court cases are still pending.
In a statement signed by the NBA President, Afam Osigwe, the association described the police action as a violation of the rule of law and a disregard for judicial authority.
The NBA insisted that the enforcement of the policy amounts to contempt of court, given that the matter is currently before the judiciary.
The controversy followed a statement issued by Hundeyin, announcing that enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy would resume nationwide from January 2, 2026.
The NBA noted that the policy had previously been suspended after widespread complaints of harassment, extortion, and abuse of motorists, particularly young people.
According to the NBA, the association had already approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to challenge the legality and constitutionality of the policy.
It argued that the Motor Tinted Glass (Prohibition) Act of 1991, which forms the basis of the policy, is a military-era law that fails to meet constitutional standards in a democratic setting.
The association further disclosed that an interim court order restraining enforcement had been issued in a related case at the Federal High Court in Warri and that the police were duly served with the court processes.
It added that the IGP had earlier agreed to suspend enforcement pending the determination of the suit.
Osigwe called on the Inspector-General of Police to immediately withdraw the statement announcing the resumption of enforcement and to respect ongoing judicial proceedings.
He also directed NBA branches and the association’s Human Rights Committee to offer legal assistance to any Nigerian who may be harassed, arrested, or penalised under the policy.
The NBA warned that failure to comply would compel it to commence contempt proceedings against the police leadership and pursue disciplinary action against any legal practitioner found to have misled the court.
The association also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, cautioning that enforcing the policy at this time could undermine public confidence in the justice system and impose additional hardship on citizens.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole, Volunteer Editor
