Nyesom Wike, the current FCT Minister, is being sued for N500 million by members of the pantaker community, beggars, and petty traders for impeding on their human fundamental rights.
Abba Hikima, the lawyer who filed the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024) before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents.
He listed as the applicant in the filing of the lawsuit dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024. The FCT minister, Wike; Inspector-General (I-G) of Police; Director-General, Department of State Services; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF); and Federal Government of Nigeria are listed as the 1st to 6th respondents, respectively.
He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.
The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).”
“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.”
Hikima stated that he had witnessed security operatives and joint task force members forcefully pick petty traders, beggars, and homeless people up from the streets during the late hours and drop them off at Eagles Square.
He said these people were subjected to fear and intimidation while people were passing and watching the actions ongoing.
According to the human rights lawyer, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, equally informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant’s counsel.
However, no lawyer appeared for the minister, I-G, NSCDC, AGF, and the FGN.
Justice Omotosho, who ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the respondents who were not represented in court, adjourned the matter until Feb. 4 for a hearing.
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