FCT Scavengers And Beggars File N500m Lawsuit Against Nyesom Wike Over Arrests

A group of scavengers, beggars, petty traders, and other vulnerable residents of Abuja has filed a lawsuit against Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), alleging violations of their fundamental rights.

The case, filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima at the Federal High Court in Abuja (case number FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024), seeks ₦500 million in damages.

The respondents in the lawsuit 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.

The lawsuit claims that the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion of homeless individuals, scavengers, petty traders, and beggars in the FCT violate their fundamental rights as guaranteed by Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.

Hikima also argued that actions such as verbal harassment, physical threats, and inhumane treatment breach constitutional protections against degrading treatment.

The lawyer is requesting: “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.”

In his affidavit, Hikima described witnessing a task force operation on November 12, 2024, where joint security operatives arrested numerous individuals, including petty traders and homeless people, along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.

He followed the task force to Eagle Square, where the detainees were dropped off, and later gathered testimonies from some of the victims.

Hikima attributed the arrests to Wike’s directive issued on October 22, 2024, arguing that homelessness, begging, or petty trading is not a crime. He blamed these conditions on the government’s failure to provide adequate security and support for vulnerable citizens.

The lawyer urged the court to protect the fundamental rights of these citizens and ensure accountability for the actions of the respondents.

The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has been adjourned until February 4 for further hearing after some respondents failed to appear in court. Hearing notices have been ordered to be served on the absent parties.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nyesom Wike recently dismissed claims of land grabbing, stating that as the person in charge of land in Abuja, he cannot “grab” what he is responsible for.