NIGERIA: Homeless FCT Residents Sue Wike, Demand N500m Over Alleged Rights Violations

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

A group of vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights.

The suit, filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, also lists 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 of Nigeria as co-respondents.

Hikima, suing in the public interest on behalf of the affected individuals, accused the respondents of subjecting vulnerable citizens to arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, harassment, and extortion.

He argued that such actions violate Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee fundamental human rights.

In the motion filed on November 20, 2024, Hikima sought the court’s declaration that the treatment meted out to scavengers, petty traders, and beggars constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment.

He further argued that every Nigerian, regardless of economic status, has the right to freedom of movement and the liberty to live without hindrance in the FCT, including sleeping on public roads.

The applicant also prayed the court to order a public apology from the respondents and mandate reforms to protect the fundamental rights of vulnerable citizens.

Hikima recounted a personal encounter with a joint task force in Abuja on November 12, 2024, during which security operatives reportedly apprehended individuals perceived as homeless or economically disadvantaged.

He alleged that these individuals, including petty traders selling lawful goods, were harassed and threatened before being detained.

The lawyer further disclosed that he later met with three of the victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—whose testimonies he described as credible and reflective of the systemic abuses suffered by vulnerable groups.

He argued that the arrests stemmed from a directive issued by Wike on October 22, 2024, which led to the formation of the joint task force.

“It is not a crime to be homeless, beg, or engage in petty trading in Nigeria,” Hikima stated, adding that the harsh economic policies and government failures had pushed many Nigerians into hardship. He emphasized that the government should focus on providing security and decent living conditions rather than criminalizing poverty.

When the matter came up in court, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicant, confirmed that all respondents had been served. While A.P. Korobo-Tamono appeared for the DSS, no representation was recorded for Wike, the I-G, NSCDC, AGF,or the Federal Government.