The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has escalated its battle against what it calls an "unlawful and extortionate" police policy on vehicle tinted glass permits, filing a high-profile lawsuit in the Federal High Court while vowing to provide free legal representation to Nigerians harassed by officers enforcing the controversial directive.
The legal action, captioned The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Others, challenges the policy's legitimacy, arguing it infringes on citizens' fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, freedom of movement, and property as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
Introduced in April 2025 by IGP Egbetokun, the policy mandates motorists to obtain annual permits via a police portal for a fee, with enforcement set to begin today, October 3, despite a pending court case.
NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, speaking at a press conference in Abuja, declared the permit system "illegal and a blatant abuse of power," citing its history of enabling police extortion.
"This policy was suspended years ago due to widespread misuse, yet it's been revived under the guise of security," Osigwe stated.
"We will not stand idly by as our people are humiliated at checkpoints for driving cars with factory-fitted tints."
In a bold show of solidarity, the NBA announced a nationwide pro bono legal aid program to defend motorists facing charges or fines under the policy.
"Any Nigerian stopped, harassed, or extorted over tinted glass can reach out to their nearest NBA branch for immediate, free legal support," Osigwe pledged.
"We are mobilizing branches across all 36 states and the FCT to handle complaints, file urgent motions, and ensure no one pays a kobo unjustly."
The lawsuit stems from resolutions at the NBA's National Executive Council meeting in Enugu on August 23, where members decried early reports of harassment even before official enforcement.
"Officers are already using this as a pretext for shakedowns, demanding bribes from innocent drivers," said NBA spokesperson Dr. Rapulu Nnanna Ananaba.
The suit seeks an interim injunction to halt implementation pending a full hearing, urging the police to respect the judicial process.The Nigeria Police Force, through spokesperson CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, pushed back forcefully, insisting the policy is "fully legal and essential for crime prevention."
In a statement, Adejobi refuted claims of a court bar on enforcement, clarifying that no restraining order has been issued yet.
"The tinted glass permit helps identify vehicles used by criminals, and we are committed to transparent implementation via the digital portal," he said, emphasizing exemptions for factory-fitted tints and vehicles owned by dignitaries.
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