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Appeal Court declares dismissal of pregnant unmarried police officers illegal
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ruled that Regulations 126 and 127 of the Nigerian Police, which permit the dismissal of unmarried policewomen upon pregnancy, are illegal.
In a unanimous decision, the three-man panel of justices called for a comprehensive review of the entire Police Regulations to ensure alignment with modern societal norms.
Justice Olubunmi Oyewole delivered the lead judgment, supported by Justices Bukola Banjoko and Okon Abang.
The case was initiated by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), challenging discriminatory practices within the Nigerian Police Force. The NBA argued that the regulations contravene constitutional provisions safeguarding the rights of female officers.
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After the Federal High Court dismissed the NBA’s case, the association appealed the decision.
The Court of Appeal overturned the lower court’s ruling, declaring Regulations 126 and 127 as infringing on the privacy and discriminating against female officers based on gender.
Justice Oyewole emphasized that such regulations are unacceptable in a democratic society and violate constitutional rights. The court urged the respondents—the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police Service Commission, and the Nigerian Police Force—to revise the regulations accordingly.
This landmark ruling underscores the importance of upholding gender equality and human rights within law enforcement agencies.
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