By Adenike Lawal
In a policy shift, the Nigeria Police Force has officially repealed laws mandating the dismissal of unmarried policewomen who become pregnant while in service.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar-Baju confirmed the reform during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on March 12, 2025.
She emphasized that all gender-discriminatory regulations have been removed from the police statutes, aligning with the 2020 Police Act and broader reforms to promote inclusivity.
The announcement follows the controversial dismissal of Corporal Omolola Olajide in 2021 for pregnancy, a case that sparked public outcry and legal battles.
A Court of Appeal ruling in May 2024 overturned the discriminatory regulations, setting the stage for this policy overhaul.
AIG Abubakar-Baju reaffirmed that under the new framework, no unmarried female officer would face dismissal for pregnancy, marking a significant step toward gender equality within Nigeria’s law enforcement system.
