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ABUJA — Vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have filed a N500 million lawsuit against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The suit, filed by legal practitioner Abba Hikima on Nov. 20, 2024, is marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 and names Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the State Security Services (SSS), 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 of Nigeria are listed as the fifth and sixth respondents.
Mr. Hikima, who initiated the case in the public interest, seeks an order for N500 million in damages for what he described as “arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars, and other vulnerable Nigerians.”
“These actions constitute inhumane and degrading treatment, a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution,” the lawyer said.
The suit also demands a public apology from the respondents and calls for immediate policy reforms to safeguard the rights of vulnerable citizens.
In an affidavit, Hikima recounted witnessing a security task force’s raid on Nov. 12, 2024, along Ahmadu Bello Way, where individuals perceived as homeless or economically disadvantaged were arrested, harassed, and threatened.
“These individuals, including hawkers and petty traders conducting lawful businesses, were forcefully apprehended in an operation ordered by the 1st respondent on Oct. 22, 2024,” he said.
Hikima attributed their plight to “harsh government policies and systemic failures in providing security and a decent livelihood for vulnerable Nigerians.”
The case, which was heard before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, saw representation from some respondents, including the SSS. However, no lawyers appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the NSCDC, the Attorney-General, or the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho ordered hearing notices to be issued to the absent respondents and adjourned the matter to Feb. 4, 2025, for hearing.
