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 (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The lawsuit, 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. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, was filed on November 20, 2024, in a bid to protect vulnerable citizens and address the alleged unlawful treatment they endured.
The defendants 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.
Hikima is seeking a N500 million award for damages, claiming that the vulnerable citizens were subjected to arbitrary arrests, harassment, extortion, and detention without charge. The applicant argues that such actions violate the constitutional rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protect dignity, freedom of movement, and equality before the law.
The suit also demands that the court declare the treatment of the arrested individuals as inhumane and degrading, in violation of Section 34 of the Constitution. Furthermore, the applicants are calling for an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology and implement policies to safeguard the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The case stems from an incident on November 12, 2024, when Hikima witnessed a joint security task force arresting beggars, scavengers, petty traders, and others along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja. The lawyer claims these individuals were subjected to verbal abuse, physical threats, and public humiliation before being released at Eagle Square.
Hikima interviewed several victims of the arrests, including Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies are part of the legal action. The lawyer argues that homelessness, begging, and petty trading should not be criminalized and are a result of broader socio-economic challenges exacerbated by government policies.
At the court hearing, Usman Chamo, representing the applicants, informed the court that all respondents had been served with the suit, while the DSS had filed a counter affidavit. No representatives for Wike, the IG, NSCDC, AGF, or the Federal Government attended the hearing.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until February 4, 2025, for hearing, while ordering that hearing notices be issued to the absent respondents.
