By Abigail Philip David
A group of vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have filed a lawsuit against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, seeking N500 million in damages for alleged violations 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 is in the public interest to defend vulnerable Nigerians.
Also named in the suit are 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, listed as the 2nd to 6th respondents.
Hikima is asking the court to award N500 million in general and exemplary damages for the alleged unlawful arrest, detention, harassment, and extortion of homeless individuals, scavengers, petty traders, and beggars in Abuja.
The lawyer urged the court to declare that these actions violate the rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which protect against inhumane treatment and uphold citizens’ freedom of movement.
He further requested an order compelling the respondents to publicly apologize to the victims and implement immediate reforms to safeguard the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
In his affidavit, Hikima recounted witnessing a joint task force of security operatives arresting homeless individuals, hawkers, and petty traders along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja on November 12, 2024. He described how the victims were verbally harassed and physically threatened before being taken to Eagle Square.
Hikima later contacted some of the victims, including Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel, who shared testimonies of their experiences. He blamed the arrests on a directive from the minister issued on October 22, 2024, aimed at clearing vulnerable individuals from public spaces.
Hikima argued that poverty, homelessness, and petty trading are consequences of harsh government policies and that the state has failed to provide adequate support for its most vulnerable citizens.
During the hearing, Usman Chamo represented the applicants and confirmed that all respondents had been served. A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, informed the court of a counter-affidavit filed in response. However, no legal representatives appeared for the minister, the Inspector-General of Police, NSCDC, AGF, or the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho ordered that hearing notices be served to the absent respondents and adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, for a hearing.
