The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to make an important decision on March 12, 2025, about a case that could stop the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers in the city. The case involves the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike.
This lawsuit was filed by the Lawyers Alert Initiative, an organization working to protect the rights of children, women, and the poor. It challenges the actions of the AEPB, which has been arresting and prosecuting women suspected of engaging in sex work. The plaintiffs argue that the AEPB’s actions are unfair and violate the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees protection against discrimination.
Filed on May 14, 2024, the case seeks two key decisions from the court:
- Whether the AEPB has the right to arrest, detain, and prosecute women suspected of sex work.
- Whether the AEPB can treat women as “goods for purchase” under the law.
The plaintiffs believe that the actions of the AEPB are discriminatory and go against the rights of women. They argue that the AEPB should not be involved in harassing or arresting women for engaging in sex work.
This ruling could set a legal precedent for how sex workers are treated in Abuja. It will also determine the limits of the AEPB’s power in such cases. The court’s decision will be significant for the future of commercial sex work in the city, as it will address the balance between law enforcement and the rights of individuals.
