News

Unmarried Cop Sacked For Getting Pregnant Gets N5m Damages

Published

3 years ago

January 11, 2023

The National Industrial Court on Wednesday struck down Regulation 127 of the Nigeria Police Regulation made pursuant to the Police Establishment Act 2020 which provides for the sack of an unmarried woman police officer who gets pregnant.

In January 2021 there was report on how a female corporal, Olajide Omolola, who works in Oye, Ekiti State Police Command, was sacked for getting pregnant outside wedlock.

Aggrieved by her sacking, Omolola challenged her dismissal on the ground that the police authorities had discriminated against her since her male counterparts are not dismissed in similar circumstances.

But in a landmark judgment delivered at the Akure Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court on Thursday, the presiding judge, Justice D. K. Damulak, held that the police regulation which permits the dismissal of unmarried pregnant policewomen was “discriminatory, illegal, null and void”

According to her, the regulation violates section 42 of the Constitution and article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights Ratification and Enforcement Act which abolished discrimination on basis of gender.

The judge said that the police regulation cannot stand as it was not applicable to unmarried policemen who impregnate women and consequently set it aside.

Justice Damulak said, “The Court finds and holds that the provision of Section 127 of the Police Act and Regulation 127 thereof, which applies to unmarried women police officers getting pregnant while in service but does not apply to unmarried male police officers impregnating females while they are in service, are discriminatory against unmarried women police offices by Section 1(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, if any law is inconsistent with the provision of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of its inconsistency be void.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the case of the Claimant succeeds in part only in terms of prayer B which is A Declaration that the provisions of Regulation 127 and section 127 of the Police Act which is against women police officers getting pregnant before marriage but does not apply to male police officers impregnating women before marriage is discriminatory, illegal and unconstitutional as it violates the Claimant’s Fundamental Right under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Article 2 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the said provision is hereby declared null and void and struck down.”

Meanwhile, the judge also awarded aggravated damages of N5 million for the violation of Omolola’s fundamental right to freedom from discrimination.

However, the sacked officer’s prayer for reinstatement as a police officer was refused by the court as the judge upheld the submission of the police counsel, Mr. P.S Abisagbo, to the effect that she could not be reinstated as she was on probation at the time of her dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.

Justice Damulak relied on many judicial authorities and particularly the case of Women Enlightenment and Legal Aid v Attorney-General of the Federation where the Federal High Court struck down the police regulation that placed a three-year ban on female recruits from contracting any form of marriage.

News

Christian Genocide: Regha Reveals Why Trump Called Nigeria ‘Disgraced Country’

Published

15 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Popular social media commentator, Daniel Regha has suggested why the US President Donald Trump called Nigeria a “disgraceful country”.

Recalls that Trump had, in a statement on Saturday, warned that if the Nigerian government failed to tackle the alleged genocide against Christians, the US would “immediately stop all aid and assistance to the West African country.

The US leader also warned that his nation may very well go into Nigeria, which he labelled “that now disgraced country”, to wipe out the terrorists allegedly perpetrating the religious persecution.

Reacting, Regha, in a post on his official X account on Sunday, claimed that Nigeria is a “disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions.

According to him, corruption is found in every state, and all ethnicities are involved.

“Nigeria is a “Disgraced country” today as a result of bad leadership from all regions. Corruption is found in every state and local govt; And all ethnicities are involved,” Regha wrote.

“From Hausa to Igbo to Yoruba to Urhobo, and others. Past administrations failed, and Tinubu’s administration is failing cos the leaders who are representing different tribes and constituencies aren’t speaking up.

“State govts are equally acting nonchalantly by not solving regional problems, but instead playing politics. Before u shift the blame, remember that the State House of Assembly has your people in there, and State governance is by indigene.”

News

Kwankwaso Sends Message To Trump After US Invasion Threat

Published

15 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

The leader of Kwankwasiyya and former Presidential candidate, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has expressed concern over recent comments by US President, Donald Trump about Nigeria.
President Donald Trump had described the country as a country of particular concern.

Kwankwaso who took to his Facebook page on Sunday wrote: “I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’”

He stressed that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing security challenges caused by outlaws, not by religion or ethnicity.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.

Kwankwaso urged the United States to support Nigeria with modern technology to fight insecurity instead of issuing threats.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he added.

He also called on the Nigerian government to engage with the US diplomatically.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage,” he said.

Senator Kwankwaso appealed to Nigerians to remain united, saying, “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”

News

5 Pro Tips On How To Become A Good Writer

Published

20 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Editor

Writing is one skill that cuts across every profession. Whether you are in civil service, journalism, business, or even tech, you can’t escape the need to write.

Contents
1. Write, Write, Write!
2. Embrace Writing Tools
3. Learn from Experts
4. Read voraciously
5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

From emails to reports, social media posts to full-length books, your ability to communicate clearly can set you apart.

Writing is not a talent reserved for a few gifted people; it’s a skill like any other that can be learnt, practiced, and mastered over time.

In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at five ways to become a better writer :

1. Write, Write, Write!

The best way to become a better writer is simply to write more. It sounds obvious, but many people spend more time worrying about writing than actually doing it.

Don’t just wait for the right moment, create it. Set aside time daily or weekly to write, even if it’s just a page.

Keep a journal, write short stories, or start a blog. Even a few paragraphs a day make a huge difference. Consistent writing helps you find your voice and refine it with time.

2. Embrace Writing Tools

Technology has made it easier to polish your writing. From grammar checkers to distraction-free apps, these tools reduce errors and improve flow.

Tools like Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or Quillbot can help tidy up your sentences. Apps like Scrivener or Ulysses can keep longer projects organised.

3. Learn from Experts

No one becomes a master alone. Signing up for writing courses, webinars, or workshops connects you to experts who can sharpen your craft.

Online platforms now offer lessons in copywriting, creative writing, grammar, storytelling, and editing.

4. Read voraciously

Great writers are voracious readers. Reading fuels your creativity, sharpens your vocabulary, and exposes you to different writing styles.

If there’s a specific area of writing you want to specialise in, study the works of experienced writers in that field. Read their books, articles, and resources, and learn from their style and approach. When you engage with the works of others, you tend to easily gain insight into effective techniques and common pitfalls to avoid. And don’t restrict yourself to a particular niche; expand your reading to different authors, cultures, and genres.

5. Get Feedback, Don’t Fear Criticism

One of the fastest ways to grow as a writer is to regularly seek feedback. No matter the kind of writing you do, having others review your work helps you see how your words are received beyond your own perspective.

Share your drafts with trusted friends, colleagues, mentors, or even family members. Their proofreading, corrections, and honest criticism can point out blind spots and give you fresh ideas for improvement.
(TRIBUNE)