Group Sues FG, Police For Sacking Policewoman Who Got Pregnant Out Of Wedlock

Women Empowerment and Legal Aid group has dragged the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police for an alleged unlawful dismissal of a Police woman, Omotola Olajide who got pregnant outside wedlock.

The human right legal complaint was instituted before a Federal High Court in Lagos by Activist and Charman of the group, Mrs Funmi Falana.

In a submitted affidavit deposeed by ligitation officer, Dipo Omotosho at the Falana Falana Chambers, Omotola had given the law firm the authority to pursue the case and help her get justice.

The affidavit further reads, “On January 26, 2021, a pregnant policewoman, Cpl Omolola Olajide was dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force on the grounds that she is unmarried contrary to Regulation 127 of the Police Act.

“The applicant (WELA) wrote to the 2nd respondent (police) and requested that the dismissal of Omolola Olajide be withdrawn but the request was ignored. I hereby make this declaration in good faith and in accordance with the Oath Act.”

The applicant therefore asked the court to declare that Regulation 127 made pursuant to the Police Act CAP. 19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 which requires an unmarried woman police officer who becomes pregnant to be discharged from the Force is discriminatory, illegal, null, and void as it contravenes the provisions of Sections 37and 42 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 2 &3 of African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The applicant is also, “seeking an order of the honourable court directing the respondents (police and Federal Government) to expunge Regulation 127 made pursuant to the Police Act Cap 19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 forthwith.”