A group of vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, has filed a lawsuit against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over alleged human rights violations. They are demanding N500 million in damages.
The suit, filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, is before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Hikima stated that the lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, was filed in the public interest to protect the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The respondents include Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The plaintiffs are accusing the respondents of violating their rights through arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion. They claim these actions followed a directive issued by Wike on October 22, 2024.
Hikima said, “The treatment of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, and beggars violates their fundamental rights under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution. No one should be harassed or detained for being homeless or engaging in petty trade.”
The lawsuit seeks the following reliefs: a declaration that the arrests and treatment of vulnerable residents are unconstitutional and amount to inhumane and degrading treatment; an order awarding N500 million as general and exemplary damages to the affected individuals; a public apology to the victims and all Nigerians; and immediate reforms and policies to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens.
In an affidavit, Hikima described witnessing the arrests on November 12, 2024. He claimed security operatives, including the police and military, apprehended people perceived as homeless or struggling financially.
“These individuals were verbally harassed, physically threatened, and detained without any charges. I followed the convoy to Eagle Square, where they dropped off the victims, creating fear and intimidation in the process,” Hikima explained.
He later met with three victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—who shared their experiences. They stated they were detained, humiliated, and accused of being homeless or petty traders, which they argued was not a crime.
Hikima further blamed government policies for their plight, saying, “The harsh economic conditions and lack of support for vulnerable citizens have forced many into homelessness and petty trading. The government has failed to provide security and a decent life for these individuals.”
During the court session, lawyer Usman Chamo, representing the applicants, informed the judge that the respondents had been served notice.
The DSS lawyer, A.P. Korobo-Tamono, confirmed filing a counter-affidavit, but no representative appeared for Wike, the I-G, NSCDC, AGF, or the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho ordered hearing notices to be sent to the absent respondents and adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, for a full hearing.
