A group of vulnerable Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have filed a suit against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, was filed on 20th November 2024 before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by legal practitioner Abba Hikima.
Hikima said he was suing in the public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
The respondents 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 accused security operatives of arbitrary arrests, harassment, and extortion of vulnerable individuals, which he described as “inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution.”
He stated in his affidavit that he witnessed the alleged rights violations on 12 November 2024 which prompted the legal action he took.
He claimed he saw security operatives arresting homeless persons, traders, and scavengers along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja. “In my presence, these individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed, and subjected to physical threats,” he said.
Hikima reporedly trailed the task force convoy to Eagle Square, where the arrested individuals were detained. He later met with three victims who confirmed the abuse.
He is praying the court to declare 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.”
The suit seeks ₦500 million in damages, a public apology, and policies to protect the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The case was adjourned to 4 February for hearing.
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