Abortion Remains a Criminal Offence for Both Men and Women, Police Warns

• The Nigeria Police Force has restated that abortion is illegal in Nigeria, warning that all parties involved face prosecution under existing criminal laws.

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that abortion remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law, stressing that both parties involved in the act are liable to prosecution.

The reminder was issued on Tuesday by the Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement shared on her official X handle.

According to Adeh, existing provisions of Nigerian law clearly prohibit abortion. She cited Section 232 of the Penal Code and Section 228 of the Criminal Code, both of which criminalise the act and classify it as a felony punishable under the law.

“Abortion is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, and both the man and the woman involved commit a felony,” she stated.

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Beyond the legal provisions, Adeh also referred to moral and religious perspectives, quoting Jeremiah 1:5 from the Bible to emphasise the sanctity of unborn life. She noted that the verse highlights the sacredness of life before birth and urged citizens to reflect on their legal, moral, and ethical responsibilities.

The police spokesperson called on members of the public to be guided by the law and to uphold ethical values, warning that actions contrary to these provisions could attract serious legal consequences.