Nigeria Police Force Abolishes Laws Dismissing Pregnant Unmarried Female Officers
Nigeria Police Force NPF has abolished laws approving the dismissal of unmarried female officers who became pregnant while serving.
Aishatu Baju, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the highest-ranking female officer in the Force, confirmed this on Wednesday, March 12.
Baju clarified that all discriminatory provisions of the Police Act, including Section 127, which had been used to justify dismissing unmarried officers who were pregnant, have been removed as part of the ongoing reforms within the police force.
She noted that unmarried female officers will no longer be dismissed for becoming pregnant.
The matter attracted national attention in 2021 when a female police corporal identified as Omolola Olajide was dismissed from the Force in Ekiti State after she became pregnant.
The decision triggered widespread public outrage, leading the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take legal action against the regulation.
While the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the dismissal, stating that officers were aware of the rule before joining the Force, the NBA took the case to the Court of Appeal in Lagos.
However, the appellate court struck down Sections 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Act in May 2024, effectively ending the policy.
With the recent reforms, Baju reiterated the Force’s commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination and creating a more inclusive institution.
Baju explained that all discriminatory sections of the Police Act, including Section 127, which was used to justify the dismissal of pregnant unmarried officers, had been expunged in line with ongoing police reforms.
She said, “That section, along with any other part of the Police Act that discriminates against female officers, has been removed under the Police Act 2020.
She emphasised that the Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers.”
When asked directly whether unmarried female officers would still be dismissed if they became pregnant, Baju responded firmly, “No.”
It can be recalled that in May 2024, the appellate court nullified Sections 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Act, effectively putting an end to the policy.
With the latest reforms, Baju reaffirmed that the Force is committed to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering a more inclusive institution.