NBA-SPIDEL Warns IGP: Enforcement of Tinted Glass Policy Despite Pending Suit Amounts to Contempt
The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA‑SPIDEL) has again cautioned the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP) against proceeding with the enforcement of the newly introduced tinted glass permit policy, stressing that such action would amount to contempt of court.
In a fresh notification addressed to the IGP, NBA‑SPIDEL drew attention to the pendency of Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1821/2025 – Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association v. Inspector General of Police & Anor, currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja. The suit challenges the legality and constitutionality of the policy, with enforcement scheduled to commence on 2nd October 2025.
According to the association, advance copies of the originating summons and a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction were duly served on the Directorate of Legal Services on 25th September 2025. Despite this, public statements from the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, and some state commands indicated that enforcement would proceed as planned.
NBA‑SPIDEL reminded the police that once a motion for interlocutory injunction has been served, the law requires parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum until the court delivers its ruling. The body cited judicial authorities, including Okeke‑Oba v. Okoye (1994) 8 NWLR (Pt. 364) 605 and Registered Trustees, Apostolic Church v. Olowoleni (1990) 6 NWLR (Pt. 158) 514, affirming that parties must refrain from actions that could undermine the authority of the court.
The association described CSP Hundeyin’s press release insisting on enforcement as “an egregious act of disregard for the majesty of the court,” warning that contempt/committal proceedings would be initiated against him if such conduct persists.
Similarly, NBA‑SPIDEL advised the Officer‑in‑Charge of the Directorate of Legal Services, AIG Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, to provide proper legal guidance to the police. It cautioned that any advice encouraging enforcement in defiance of the pending suit could trigger disciplinary proceedings before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Reiterating its commitment to the rule of law, NBA‑SPIDEL urged the IGP to suspend enforcement of the tinted glass permit policy until the court determines its legality.
The letter was jointly signed by Prof. Paul Ananaba, SAN, Chairman of NBA‑SPIDEL, and Olukunle O. Edun, SAN, Chairman of the Public Interest Litigation Committee.
