Delta police seized 25 cars in Asaba on Oct 2, 2025 after drivers were caught cruising without the controversial tinted‑glass permit, sparking a legal showdown that saw a Warri federal high court freeze the crackdown two days later.
When Nigeria Police Force announced a statewide sweep, the Delta State Police Command rolled out teams at the city’s main arteries, stopping cars whose windows were darker than the law allows.
Background on the Tinted‑Glass Permit Regime
Since 2019 the federal government has required motorists to obtain a special POSSAP permit for any vehicle fitted with tinted glass that exceeds 70% opacity. The rule was meant to curb illegal modifications that aid criminal activity, but critics argue it’s a revenue‑raising tool that disproportionately hurts low‑income drivers.
The Police Specialised Services Automation Project (POSSAP) runs a digital portal where owners can apply, upload documents, and pay a fee of roughly ₦15,000. Yet many Nigerians report glitches, long wait times, and a lack of clear guidance on what qualifies as “excessive” tint.
Details of the Asaba Enforcement
On the morning of Oct 2, officers set up checkpoints along the Asaba‑Onitsha bridge and the Obiaruku‑Umunede road. Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, told reporters that the operation also covered illegal use of sirens, strobe lights, and defaced number plates.
"We have received several complaints that darkened windows are being used to conceal weapons and contraband," Edafe said. "Anyone caught without a valid permit will have their vehicle impounded and will be required to appear at the state police headquarters for processing."
The police impounded 25 vehicles ranging from private sedans to commercial vans. Owners were instructed to visit the POSSAP website or the state headquarters to regularise their status.
Legal Challenge and Court Order
Within hours of the seizure, human‑rights lawyer John Aikpokpo‑Martins filed Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/103/2025 in the Warri Federal High Court, arguing that the enforcement violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, leading the petitioner’s team, hailed the interim order issued on Oct 4 as "a significant step towards safeguarding the rule of law pending the determination of the substantive issues before the court." The court instructed police to maintain the status quo and refrain from further seizures until a full hearing.
The order arrived just after police had also impounded a vehicle belonging to a senior judicial officer, despite an ongoing suit by the Nigerian Bar Association challenging the very legality of the crackdown.
National Enforcement Snapshot
- 210 vehicles seized across six states (Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River) as of Oct 4, 2025.
- At least 12 % of the seized cars were commercial trucks used for goods transport.
- The nationwide operation began on Sept 28, 2025, following a directive from the IGP’s office (name not disclosed).
- Over 3,800 applications were processed through the POSSAP portal in the first week of the drive.
Public Reaction and Expert Opinions
Social media erupted with mixed feelings. Some users, like @roadwatchNG, lamented the timing, noting that “many Nigerians are already struggling with fuel hikes; this feels like a cash‑grab.” Others, such as security analyst Chidinma Okeke, defended the move, arguing that “the prevalence of kidnapping incidents involving darkened vehicles makes a transparent permit system essential for public safety.”
Transport union leader Emeka Nwankwo urged the government to streamline the digital application process, saying, "If the state wants compliance, it must make the online portal user‑friendly and affordable. Otherwise, we’ll keep seeing illegal seizures and court battles."
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Tinted‑Glass Rule?
With the Warri court’s injunction, enforcement in Delta is effectively on hold, but the police have hinted they will resume once the legal questions are clarified. Legal analysts predict a full hearing by early 2026, which could either uphold the permit regime or deem it unconstitutional.
Meanwhile, motorists are advised to keep documentation of any POSSAP application and to monitor court filings for updates. The broader debate highlights a tension between security concerns and citizens’ everyday freedoms—a balance Nigerian authorities have wrestled with for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the government require a tinted‑glass permit?
The permit is intended to prevent criminals from using heavily tinted windows to hide weapons, contraband, or to obstruct police identification. By registering permitted vehicles, authorities claim they can better track legitimate uses versus illegal modifications.
How can drivers obtain a permit through POSSAP?
Applicants must create an account at possap.gov.ng, upload a valid vehicle registration, proof of identity, and a photograph of the windows. After a ₦15,000 fee, the system issues a digital permit that can be printed or shown on a mobile device.
What legal arguments are being made against the enforcement?
Petitioners argue the blanket seizure powers violate constitutional rights to personal liberty and due process. They also claim the rule is vague, giving police unchecked discretion to decide what constitutes “excessive” tint.
Will the court’s injunction stop all seizures nationwide?
The order currently applies only to the Federal High Court in Warri, affecting Delta State operations. Other states may continue their drives unless similar rulings are issued elsewhere.
How are motorists reacting to the pause in enforcement?
Many see the pause as a relief, especially commercial drivers who feared loss of income. However, some law‑abiding owners worry about future uncertainty and the potential for renewed crackdowns once the case is resolved.
julia mutambara
October 6, 2025 AT 02:16Wow, what a fascinating turn of events regarding the tinted‑glass permit saga in Delta! It's really encouraging to see communities rallying together, sharing information, and supporting one another through these challenges. The fact that the Court stepped in so quickly shows that the rule of law is still alive and well, even when the government tries to impose heavy-handed measures. I truly believe that by staying informed and helping each other navigate the POSSAP portal, we can turn this into an opportunity for collective empowerment. The drivers who have been affected can learn from one another about the best ways to submit their applications without hassle. Moreover, this whole episode underscores the importance of transparent governance and the need for regulatory frameworks that are fair and accessible to all. Let's keep the conversation going, share success stories, and perhaps even propose improvements to the digital system so that it becomes more user‑friendly. If we maintain this optimistic and inclusive spirit, we might inspire policymakers to rethink overly punitive approaches. Remember, every little bit of assistance we give-whether a tip on uploading documents or a reminder about the fee-can make a huge difference for someone struggling to comply. Together, we are stronger than any bureaucratic obstacle, and together we can ensure that safety and liberty go hand in hand. Stay hopeful, stay informed, and keep supporting each other!