The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to dismiss a N500 million lawsuit filed over alleged violations of the fundamental rights of homeless persons, scavengers, and petty traders in Abuja.
In a counter affidavit filed before Justice James Omotosho, Wike argued that the increasing presence of homeless people, street beggars, and scavengers poses serious security, environmental, and health threats to residents and violates Abuja’s developmental laws.
The minister’s legal team, in a deposition by Saidu Abdulkadir of the FCT Legal Services Secretariat, contended that begging is not a lawful trade and that makeshift shelters under bridges and on roads obstruct Abuja’s master plan. He added that many of the scavengers have been implicated in vandalism and espionage for criminal syndicates.
Wike emphasized that the FCT Administration had established the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) and the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari to equip vulnerable individuals with skills. Despite these efforts, many allegedly return to the streets, refusing rehabilitation and posing persistent risks.
“There is no evidence before the court of maltreatment, extortion, or illegal detention of these individuals,” Wike said. “The so-called three vulnerable persons mentioned by the applicant are faceless and unverified.”
The lawsuit, filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, seeks N500 million in damages and accuses the FCT Administration, the Inspector-General of Police, DSS, NSCDC, Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of violating Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Hikima alleged that a joint task force, acting on a directive issued by Wike on October 22, 2024, conducted arbitrary arrests on November 12, targeting individuals appearing poor or homeless along Ahmadu Bello Way. He said many were hawkers and petty traders, arrested without cause and subjected to intimidation.
The lawyer claimed to have spoken with three victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—and asserted their rights were violated simply for being poor and visible in public spaces.
Joining Wike in opposing the suit, the DSS, NSCDC, and the Attorney-General also denied any wrongdoing. The DSS, in a counter affidavit, said it neither participated in the operation nor violated any rights. The NSCDC similarly rejected the allegations.
Hikima is demanding a public apology, reform policies to protect vulnerable Nigerians, and a declaration that the treatment meted out to street dwellers constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment.
The case is before Justice Omotosho, who is yet to deliver a ruling.
