Lawyer Sues FCT Minister Wike Over Alleged Rights Violations Against Scavengers and Traders
Abba Hikima, a legal practitioner, has filed a lawsuit against Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for allegedly violating the rights of scavengers and traders in Abuja,Thecable reports.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, was filed on November 20 before the Abuja Federal High Court. Hikima, acting in public interest, seeks to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
The inspector-general of police, the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are listed as the 1st to 4th respondents, while the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and the federal government are the 5th and 6th respondents, respectively.
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Allegations of Harassment and Detention
In his affidavit, Hikima stated that on November 12, he witnessed a joint task force arresting homeless individuals, scavengers, and petty traders, including hawkers and roadside vendors, around 11 p.m. along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.
He alleged that the arrested individuals were harassed, threatened, and detained at Eagle Square.
“In my presence, these individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed, and subjected to physical threats in full view of passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” Hikima said.
He attributed the arrests to Wike’s October 22 directive and argued that issues such as homelessness, begging, and petty trading are not criminal offenses but rather consequences of harsh government policies and the failure to address the needs of vulnerable citizens.
Reliefs Sought
Hikima is demanding ₦500 million in damages, a public apology, and policy reforms to safeguard the rights of vulnerable Nigerians. He also seeks a court declaration that the arrests, harassment, and detention were unconstitutional.
Court Proceedings
During the hearing on Tuesday, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicant, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing and that all respondents had been duly served.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, confirmed that a counter-affidavit had been filed and served on the applicant’s counsel.
However, no legal representatives appeared for Wike, the IGP, the NSCDC, the AGF, or the federal government.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, ordered that hearing notices be issued and served on the absent respondents. The court adjourned the matter until February 4, 2025, for hearing.
