NPF has abolished rule dismissing unmarried pregnant police officers, AIG Baju says

AIG Baju also reaffirmed NPF’s commitment to eliminating all  gender-based discriminatory practices 

By Kehinde Okeowo

Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Aishatu Baju, has confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)has scrapped regulations that mandated the dismissal of unmarried female officers who got pregnant while in service.

She made this known on Wednesday while featuring on Channels Television’s programme ‘The Morning Brief’.

According to Baju, the discriminatory sections of the Police Act, including Section 127, have been removed under the Police Act 2020 as part of ongoing reforms.

“The Inspector General of Police has also introduced the Nigeria Police Gender Policy to ensure full inclusivity and equal opportunities for all officers,” AIG Baju said.

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The policy change follows a 2021 case in which a police corporal, Omolola Olajide, was dismissed for becoming pregnant, sparking nationwide outrage.

Although the Federal High Court upheld the regulation, the Court of Appeal overturned it in May 2024, nullifying Sections 126 and 127 of the Police Act.

With the new reforms, Baju reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination and fostering an inclusive institution.