The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Police Force are set for a major confrontation.
The clash concerns the planned enforcement of vehicle tint permits scheduled to commence nationwide on October 2, 2025, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.
The NBA, in a strongly worded statement, demanded immediate suspension of the enforcement until its pending lawsuit is resolved.
The association said any enforcement before judicial determination would disregard the rule of law and weaken constitutional governance.
NBA Publicity Secretary, Bridget Edokwe, issued the statement on Tuesday, stressing the importance of respecting judicial authority in a constitutional democracy.
She warned that police insistence on enforcing the policy while litigation continues risks prejudicing the court’s eventual decision.
“The continuation of this enforcement despite the pending suit undermines judicial sanctity,” Edokwe declared in the statement.
She argued that the enforcement could render meaningless any future court pronouncement on the constitutionality of the tint permit requirement.
The NBA stressed that it was not encouraging lawlessness or non-compliance with legitimate laws enacted by the legislature.
Instead, the association questioned the legality, fairness, and transparency of the existing tinted glass regulations.
It also argued that the permit policy may unduly infringe on the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
The NBA explained that its case seeks clarification of statutory provisions regulating tinted glasses and their constitutional validity.
The association further seeks judicial interpretation on whether the police can impose additional requirements without explicit legislative approval.
However, the police rejected the NBA’s call, insisting enforcement cannot be halted without a binding court order.
The Force argued that mere filing of court processes does not automatically suspend the operation of valid laws.
“Only an order of court can stop enforcement of an existing law,” the police spokesperson stated confidently on Tuesday.
“There is no such order. Mere service of papers is not equal to a court order,” he added.
The police confirmed that enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass law will commence nationwide on October 2, 2025.
This hardline stance highlights deep disagreement between the NBA’s emphasis on judicial process and the police’s insistence on statutory enforcement.
The controversy surrounding tinted glass permits is not new in Nigeria’s security and legal landscape.
Police authorities argue regulation is vital to combat crime, terrorism, and other national security threats.
Critics, however, accuse security agencies of exploiting the policy to harass, extort, and intimidate motorists across the country.
Many citizens complain of arbitrary arrests and financial exploitation during previous enforcement drives.
They also describe the application process for permits as cumbersome, non-transparent, and prone to corruption.
These recurring complaints prompted the NBA to challenge the policy in court.
The association maintains that ensuring transparency and constitutionality is crucial to protecting civil liberties in Nigeria’s democracy.
Legal analysts note the clash reflects a broader tension between security imperatives and protection of individual rights.
The judiciary will ultimately clarify the boundaries, but uncertainty looms until an enforceable ruling is delivered.
Observers warn that motorists may face harassment during enforcement while the legal battle continues.
Some analysts suggest the NBA could urgently seek an injunction restraining the police before Thursday’s commencement date.
Such a move would legally halt enforcement until the court decides on the substantive case.
Whether the NBA will pursue this urgent legal remedy remains unclear as October 2 approaches.
For now, the police appear determined to press ahead, regardless of NBA’s opposition.
The standoff raises fundamental questions about institutional respect for judicial authority in Nigeria.
It also highlights the persistent conflict between citizens’ rights and government’s security-driven policies.
Motorists nationwide are left uncertain about their rights and obligations as the enforcement date nears.
The unfolding developments may significantly shape Nigeria’s ongoing debate about law, security, and constitutional democracy.
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