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 FCT, Nyesom Wike, seeking N500 million in damages over alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, was filed by legal practitioner Abba Hikima before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Hikima, who initiated the case in public interest, aims to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
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 (AGF); and the Federal Government of Nigeria, listed as the 1st to 6th respondents, respectively.
Hikima is seeking the court’s declaration that “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,” guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The suit further prays the court to declare that “the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the Constitution.” It also requests a declaration affirming the right of all Nigerians, regardless of economic status or appearance, to move freely within the FCT and sleep on public roads without interference, as enshrined in Sections 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution.
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Additionally, Hikima is asking the court to order the respondents to” pay N500 million in general and exemplary damages to the affected individuals. “Issue a public apology for the alleged inhumane, arbitrary, and unconstitutional treatment. “Implement policies and reforms, including public education, to protect the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
In an affidavit, Hikima recounted an incident on Nov. 12, 2024, where he witnessed a joint task force arrest individuals perceived as homeless, including hawkers and petty traders, along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja. He followed the task force to Eagle Square, where the detainees were dropped off. Hikima later met with three victims of the incident—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—whose testimonies were documented.
He alleged that the arrests, carried out under Wike’s directive dated Oct. 22, 2024, were an attempt to enforce government policies without considering the rights of vulnerable citizens. Hikima argued that homelessness, begging, and petty trading stem from harsh economic conditions and government failures to provide security and decent living standards.
During the court session, Usman Chamo, representing the applicant, informed Justice Omotosho that all respondents had been served. However, representatives for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the NSCDC, the AGF, and the Federal Government were absent. A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, confirmed filing a counter affidavit.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, for hearing and directed that hearing notices be served to the absent respondents.
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