Appeal Court Declare Dismissal of Pregnant Policewoman Illegal
By Towncriernews
A Court of Appeal in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has declared Regulations 126 and 127 of the Nigerian Police, which allowed the dismissal of unmarried policewomen upon pregnancy, as illegal.
In the lead judgment by Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, supported by Justices Bukola Banjoko and Okon Abang, the appellate court directed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) to review the entire Police Regulations for compliance with modern legal standards.
The ruling emanated from a lawsuit filed by the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), challenging discriminatory practices within the police force.
The NBA contested the constitutionality of Regulations 126 and 127, which require the discharge of unmarried pregnant policewomen. The Federal High Court initially dismissed the NBA’s action for lacking merit, but the Court of Appeal overturned this decision.
Justice Oyewole emphasized that the regulations infringe upon the privacy of female officers and discriminate based on gender, stating that such gender-biased moderation is unacceptable in a democratic society.
He therefore, declared the regulations null and void, advising a comprehensive review to align with modern legal principles.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal allowed the appeal, setting aside the Federal High Court’s ruling and granting the relief sought by the NBA.
