Rights Violations: Vulnerable Abuja Residents Slams FCT Minister, AGF, IGP, DG DSS, Others With N500 Million Suit

Vulnerable residents, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, have filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nyesom Wike, alongside other officials, seeking ₦500 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental human rights.

Others listed as respondents in the rights violation suit are Federal Government, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice; Lateef Fagbemi, the Inspector General of Police; Kayode Egbetokun, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS); Tosin Adeola, and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Ahmed Audi.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, was filed by human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In the suit, the claimants, through their counsel, alleged that a directive issued by Wike on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, led to the arbitrary arrest, harassment, and detention of homeless individuals, petty traders, and scavengers in the FCT.

They described the actions as a violation of their fundamental human rights guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“The arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion of vulnerable Nigerians constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.”

The lawyer to the claimants also sought a public apology and immediate reforms to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens.

“Nigerians, regardless of economic status, have the liberty to move freely, including sleeping on public roads without hindrance,” the motion stated.

Hikima recounted witnessing a joint task force arresting individuals perceived as homeless or economically disadvantaged on November 12, 2024, claiming that the taskforce subjected them to verbal harassment, physical threats, and forceful apprehension.

Testimonies from three victims were collected and corroborated, according to Hikima. He urged the court to grant reliefs in the interest of justice and ensure accountability.

During the court hearing, counsel to the DSS A.P. Korobo-Tamono confirmed filing a counter-affidavit, while other respondents were unrepresented.

The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case to Tuesday, February 4, 2025, and ordered hearing notices to be served on absent respondents.