A group of vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, has filed a lawsuit against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The residents, represented by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, are demanding N500 million in damages. The suit, filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja, claims that a directive issued by the Minister led to mass arrests, harassment, and detention of homeless individuals, street traders, and beggars.
The lawsuit names the Minister, 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, and the Federal Government as respondents.
According to Hikima, the arrests happened on November 12, 2024, when a joint task force of security operatives targeted vulnerable individuals on Ahmadu Bello Way, Abuja. The victims included hawkers, petty traders, and homeless persons, many of whom were harassed and detained without cause.
Hikima claimed to have witnessed the incident and followed the task force to Eagle Square, where the victims were taken. He later met with some of the individuals to document their experiences.
The lawyer argued that the actions of the task force violated sections of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantee personal dignity, liberty, and freedom from discrimination. He stated that being homeless, begging, or engaging in petty trading is not a crime and blamed harsh government policies for the residents’ struggles.
Hikima called on the court to award damages and hold the authorities accountable for their actions. The case has been adjourned to February 4, 2025, for hearing.
“A declaration 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 1999 Constitution (as amended).
A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.”
He is, therefore, seeking
“an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.
‘’An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.”
