CSO asks court to repeal law sacking unmarried pregnant policewomen

The Women Empowerment and Legal Aid Initiative (WELA) has asked a federal high court sitting in Lagos to repeal the law which sacks unmarried pregnant female police officers.

The suit filed on Wednesday by Funmi Falana, Lagos-based lawyer, on behalf of WELA, is seeking an order directing Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and the Nigeria Police Force, both listed as respondents, to expunge the law.

WELA’s action follows the sack of Olajide Omolola, an unmarried female corporal who allegedly got pregnant in the police command in Ekiti.

Omolola’s dismissal was sent in a wireless message that originated from the police department of finance and administration in Ado Ekiti.

The document was addressed to the divisional police officer (DPO) at Iye Ekiti where Omolola is based.

The police authorities had cited section 127 of the police act and regulation against women police getting pregnant before marriage.

But in its argument, WELA said the fundamental right of every person against discrimination is guaranteed under section 37 and42 of the 1999 constitution.

The group said it is pertinent to note that the regulation does not apply to unmarried male police officers and that a policeman will not be sacked for impregnating a woman whilst unmarried.

“It is a well known fact that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the supreme law of the nation and its provisions are therefore binding on all institutions, authorities and persons throughout the country. All other laws derive their force and authority from the constitution,” the suit read.

“This regulation is discriminatory in its entirety as it does not require a male police officer to get dismissed from the force due to him impregnating a female whilst unmarried. To that extent, it is unconstitutional, illegal and discriminatory.

“We therefore submit that Regulation 127 made pursuant to the police act 2020 is inconsistent with the provision of section 42 of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria it is unconstitutional, null and void.

“From the foregoing, it is submitted that Regulation 127 of the Police Act is unconstitutional and illegal and has caused more harm than good.”