A Delta State High Court sitting in Orerokpe has issued an interim injunction restraining the Nigeria Police Force from resuming the enforcement of its controversial tinted glass permit policy, which was slated to begin nationwide on January 2, 2026.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by Justice Joe Egwu, provides a significant legal buffer for motorists and citizens against potential police harassment regarding vehicle window permits.
The order followed an ex parte motion filed by human rights activist Mr Israel Joe in Suit No: HOR/FHR/M/31/2025. The suit named the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, as respondents. Through his legal team, led by Kunle Edun (SAN), the applicant sought to protect the constitutional rights of Nigerians, arguing that the policy’s enforcement would lead to the infringement of the rights to dignity, privacy, movement, and property ownership.
In a comprehensive order, Justice Egwu granted all prayers sought by the applicant, effectively freezing the police department’s planned operations. The court ordered an immediate stay of enforcement, restraining the police from implementing or further enforcing the tinted glass permit policy pending the determination of the substantive suit.
Furthermore, the court issued a specific protection for citizens, barring the respondents from stopping, harassing, arresting, detaining, or extorting the applicant and other motorists under the guise of this policy. In a notable financial directive, the court also restrained the police from using the Parkway Projects account—identified in the application as a private account—for conducting government business related to the policy. To ensure the legal process moves forward swiftly, the court granted an order for substituted service on the Inspector General of Police and the Nigeria Police Force through the Commissioner of Police in Asaba.
“The court has acted as the shield of the common man by ensuring that constitutional rights are not trampled upon under the guise of administrative policies,” noted a member of the applicant’s legal team following the ruling.
While the interim injunction provides immediate relief, the legal battle is set to continue. Justice Egwu has scheduled the hearing for the motion on notice for December 24, 2025, where the court will further deliberate on the merits of the substantive application. For now, the planned January commencement date for the permit enforcement remains legally suspended.
