In a significant legal development, the Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared Regulations 126 and 127 of the Nigerian Police, allowing the dismissal of unmarried policewomen upon pregnancy while in service, as illegal.
The court's ruling mandates a comprehensive review of all Police Regulations to ensure alignment with modern legal standards.
Justice Olubunmi Oyewole delivered the lead judgment, which received unanimous endorsement from the panel members, Justice Bukola Banjoko and Justice Okon Abang.
This landmark decision emerged from a lawsuit filed by the incorporated trustees of the Nigeria Bar Association against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police Service Commission, and the Nigerian Police Force.
The legal dispute originated on February 15, 2021, when the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) challenged discriminatory practices within the Nigerian Police Force.
The court deliberated on various issues, including the constitutionality of Regulation 127 of the Nigeria Police Regulations, which mandated the discharge of unmarried female police officers upon pregnancy, and the broader conflict with constitutional provisions safeguarding against gender discrimination.
Following initial dismissal by the Federal High Court in Abuja, the NBA pursued an appeal, leading to the recent decision by the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal's ruling highlighted the infringement upon the privacy and gender-based discrimination inherent in Regulations 126 and 127 of the Police Act.
Justice Oyewole emphasized the inconsistency of these regulations with constitutional provisions, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive review of all Police Regulations to align with modern legal standards.
This decision marks a significant step towards promoting gender equality within the Nigerian Police Force and upholding fundamental constitutional rights.
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