The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a clear reminder to the public regarding Nigeria's strict laws against abortion. The command's spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, used social media to highlight the legal provisions that make the termination of pregnancy a serious crime.
Legal Provisions Against Abortion in Nigeria
In a detailed post on the social media platform X, SP Josephine Adeh pointed to the specific sections of Nigerian law that govern abortion. She cited Section 232 of the Penal Code and Section 228 of the Criminal Code as the primary legislation that criminalises the act.
According to the spokesperson, these laws classify abortion as a felony. This means it is considered a major criminal offence with severe penalties. The law does not target one gender; both the man and the woman involved in procuring or carrying out an abortion are held liable and can face punishment.
Public Education and Legal Consequences
SP Adeh's post, shared on December 31, 2025, serves as a public education effort. The timing suggests a reminder as the year ended, possibly to reinforce legal awareness among citizens. The police aim to ensure Nigerians understand the gravity of the offence as defined by the country's legal framework.
The key legal consequences outlined include:
- Abortion is treated as a felony, not a minor crime.
- Prosecution can extend to all parties involved in the act.
- Punishment is enforced under the full extent of the law.
Clarity on a Sensitive National Issue
This statement from the FCT police command provides unambiguous clarity on a often-debated topic. While discussions about reproductive rights occur globally, SP Josephine Adeh's message firmly anchors the Nigerian position in the existing criminal statutes. The reminder underscores that, despite varying personal or societal opinions, the current law in Nigeria expressly prohibits abortion and prescribes legal action against offenders.
The public advisory from the police spokesperson reinforces the role of law enforcement in not just maintaining order but also in educating citizens about the laws they are expected to obey. It is a direct communication aimed at preventing crime through awareness.
