Some vulnerable residents of Abuja, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have dragged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to court over alleged violations of their fundamental human rights.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, was filed by legal practitioner Abba Hikima before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The applicants are seeking N500 million in damages, citing arbitrary arrests, harassment, and extortion by security operatives under Wike’s directives.
In the originating motion dated November 19, 2024, and filed the following day, Hikima stated that he is suing in the public interest to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders.
The respondents in the suit include Wike; the Inspector-General of Police; the Director-General, 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 applicants are praying the court to declare the actions of the respondents unconstitutional. They allege that:
Arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion constitute a breach of fundamental rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution.
Verbal harassment, physical threats, and detention without charge amount to inhumane and degrading treatment.
All citizens, regardless of their economic status, have the right to freedom of movement and peaceful existence.
N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the affected individuals.
A public apology to the victims and Nigerians at large for the alleged inhumane treatment.
Immediate policy reforms and public education to uphold the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
Hikima detailed incidents of security operatives targeting vulnerable individuals in Abuja.
He alleged that on November 12, 2024, he witnessed a joint task force arrest homeless individuals, petty traders, and scavengers along Ahmadu Bello Way.These individuals were reportedly harassed and detained without just cause.
Among the victims were hawkers selling goods such as ice cream and biscuits.
Hikima noted that their arrest was a result of policies that have exacerbated economic hardship nationwide. He described the actions of the task force as degrading and unjustifiable.
The lawyer also organized a meeting with three victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—who recounted their ordeals.
They claimed their arrests and subsequent humiliation stemmed from government failures to provide basic security and a decent living standard for vulnerable Nigerians.
When the case was mentioned in court, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicants, informed the court that all respondents had been duly served.
While the DSS was represented by A.P. Korobo-Tamono, no lawyers appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the NSCDC, the AGF, or the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho directed that hearing notices be issued to the absent respondents and adjourned the matter to February 4, 2025, for hearing.
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