The court's directive, delivered in the case of Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025: John Aikpokpo-Martins v. Inspector General of Police & Nigeria Police Force, effectively halts the police from further enforcement of the controversial permit requirements for vehicle owners.
Judicial Process Must Be Respected
The interim order explicitly instructs the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police to "respect judicial processes pending further proceedings in the matter." This is seen as a major win for advocates of the rule of law, who have challenged the legality and constitutional validity of the renewed enforcement.
Speaking on the development, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kunle Edun, who is leading the legal team for the applicant, confirmed the ruling. He noted that the court’s directive is a significant step in ensuring that the rule of law is upheld while the substantive legal issues surrounding the permit are being addressed.
The directive comes amidst a public outcry and legal action from various quarters, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), over the police’s renewed push for the permit, which critics argue infringes on constitutional rights and has led to harassment of motorists with factory-fitted tinted glass.
Legal Limbo for Enforcement
The Police Force had recently set a deadline for the full enforcement of the permit, citing security concerns and the need to regulate vehicle occupants. However, the ruling places the entire policy's implementation in legal limbo, ensuring that no further enforcement actions are taken until the court fully determines the matter.
Details of the ruling and the next adjourned date are expected to be released shortly. Motorists and stakeholders are advised to await further clarity as the court process unfolds.
Further updates to follow.