A group of vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The suit, filed before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, was initiated by legal practitioner Abba Hikima on behalf of the affected individuals. Hikima, who is suing in the public interest, stated that the suit was aimed at protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
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In the originating motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, Hikima named Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as the first to fourth respondents. The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Government were also joined as the fifth and sixth respondents.
Hikima is seeking a declaration from the court that the arrests, harassment, extortion, and detention without charges of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, and beggars in the FCT violate their rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria.
The lawyer is also requesting the court to declare that such treatment, including verbal abuse, physical threats, and arbitrary detention, amounts to inhumane and degrading treatment, contrary to Section 34 of the Constitution. He further argues that Nigerians, regardless of their economic status or appearance, have the right to move freely within the FCT, including sleeping on public roads without interference, as enshrined in Sections 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution.
Additionally, Hikima is requesting the court to order the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and the Nigerian public for the alleged mistreatment. He is also seeking an order for immediate reforms, including public education to promote the human rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
In his affidavit, Hikima detailed an incident that occurred on November 12, 2024, when he witnessed a joint task force, comprising military, police, and other enforcement officers, arresting individuals they deemed homeless, including street hawkers and petty traders. Hikima stated that these individuals were verbally harassed, threatened, and detained in full view of the public, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Hikima further revealed that he tracked the task force’s motorcade to Eagle Square, where the victims were dropped off. He later met with three of the victims, whose testimonies were recorded.The lawyer claims that the arrests were carried out under the directive of Minister Nyesom Wike, issued on October 22, 2024, and that it is unjust for the government to treat citizens this way. He emphasized that homelessness, begging, and petty trading are not crimes but rather symptoms of the harsh living conditions created by government policies.
The case was adjourned by Justice Omotosho to February 4, 2025, for hearing after it was revealed that some respondents had yet to be represented in court. The matter remains ongoing as the court considers the claims and reliefs sought by the applicant.
