In a historic judgment, the Nigerian Court of Appeal has prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from dismissing unmarried pregnant policewomen, marking a significant victory for gender equality and women’s rights in the police force.
The court declared Regulations 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) unconstitutional, asserting that these rules discriminated against female officers. Previously, these regulations allowed for the dismissal of unmarried policewomen who became pregnant, a policy that has now been struck down for violating fundamental rights to freedom from discrimination and privacy under sections 37 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
In a historic judgment, the Nigerian Court of Appeal has prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) from dismissing unmarried pregnant policewomen, marking a significant victory for gender equality and women’s rights in the police force.
The court declared Regulations 126 and 127 of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) unconstitutional, asserting that these rules discriminated against female officers. Previously, these regulations allowed for the dismissal of unmarried policewomen who became pregnant, a policy that has now been struck down for violating fundamental rights to freedom from discrimination and privacy under sections 37 and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The case was brought to the
The case was brought to the forefront by a female officer who was dismissed in 2018 for being unmarried and pregnant. Her appeal highlighted the discriminatory nature of the regulations, leading to the court’s unanimous decision to overturn these outdated rules. This ruling mandates the immediate reinstatement of all affected officers and provides a significant precedent for future cases involving gender discrimination within the police force.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have praised the decision. Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana, stated, “This judgment is a victory for all women in Nigeria, especially those in the police force. It reaffirms the principle that no one should face discrimination based on gender or marital status.”
The Nigerian Police Force has been urged to comply with this ruling and to revise its policies to align with constitutional protections and international human rights standards. This landmark decision not only protects the rights of female officers but also promotes a more inclusive and equitable working environment within the NPF.
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of upholding gender equality and the need for continuous reform in institutions to ensure that discriminatory practices are eradicated. The court’s ruling is a significant step forward in the fight against gender-based discrimination and highlights the ongoing efforts to create a fair and just society for all.
