Kehinde Fajobi
A group of vulnerable Abuja residents, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, has filed a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged breaches of their fundamental rights.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, was filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Hikima stated that the legal action was taken in the public interest to protect vulnerable citizens across Nigeria.
The respondents in the suit include Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Hikima is seeking ₦500 million as general and exemplary damages, citing alleged arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion of vulnerable residents, which he said violated sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars, and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT constitute a violation of their fundamental rights,” Hikima argued.
He added that the actions amount to inhumane and degrading treatment, contrary to constitutional guarantees.
Hikima also demanded a public apology from the respondents and called for immediate reforms to protect the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The affidavit accompanying the suit described an incident on November 12, 2024, when a joint task force allegedly arrested numerous individuals, including hawkers and petty traders, along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.
Hikima claimed the arrests were conducted under the guise of enforcing a directive issued by Wike on October 22, 2024.
He stated, “It is not a crime to be homeless, beg, or engage in petty trading in Nigeria. These individuals’ conditions are a direct result of harsh government policies and the failure to provide security and decent living conditions.”
In court on Tuesday, the applicant’s lawyer, Usman Chamo, confirmed that all respondents had been served.
While DSS was represented by A.P. Korobo-Tamono, no representatives appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, NSCDC, or the Attorney-General.
Justice Omotosho ordered that hearing notices be served to the absent respondents and adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, for a hearing.