Beggars, homeless persons drag FG, Wike to court, demand ₦500m in damages
A group of vulnerable Abuja residents, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding ₦500 million in damages for alleged breaches of their fundamental rights.
The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, was filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Hikima initiated the case in the public interest to protect the rights of economically disadvantaged Nigerians.
The suit names 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 as respondents.
Hikima is seeking a declaration that the alleged arrest, detention without charge, and harassment of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, and beggars constitute a violation of their rights under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.
He also demands:
– ₦500 million in general and exemplary damages for the alleged violations.
– A public apology to the affected individuals.
– Immediate policy reforms to uphold the fundamental rights of vulnerable citizens.
Hikima’s affidavit detailed an incident on Nov. 12, 2024, where a joint task force, allegedly acting on Wike’s directive, arrested numerous individuals perceived as homeless or struggling economically. He described the arrests as forceful, humiliating, and accompanied by verbal and physical harassment.
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“It is not a crime to be homeless, beg, or engage in petty trade in Nigeria,” Hikima stated, blaming the plight of the victims on harsh government policies and a lack of security or social support for vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawyer recounted meeting three victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—who shared their experiences of arrest, detention, and humiliation.
During the hearing, Usman Chamo, representing the applicants, confirmed that all respondents had been served. A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, noted that a counter-affidavit had been filed, but no lawyers appeared for Wike, the I-G, NSCDC, AGF, or the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, and directed that hearing notices be served to the absent respondents.
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