The Federal High Court in Abuja adjourned a case on Monday brought by some vulnerable FCT residents, including beggars and petty traders, against Minister Nyesom Wike to May 29 for hearing. Justice James Omotosho postponed the matter after Adamu Mahmood, representing the plaintiff, requested more time to file a further affidavit in response to a counter-affidavit served on him. The residents have filed a lawsuit against the minister and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, among others, seeking N500 million in damages for alleged breaches of their fundamental rights.
A legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed suit FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of vulnerable residents. He disclosed that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, he witnessed a motorcade of security operatives and enforcement officers, including the military and police, on Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja. They were arresting individuals perceived as homeless, scavengers, and beggars. He alleged the individuals were detained, verbally confronted, and faced physical threats in the presence of passersby, which resulted in an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Hikima, the applicant in the motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is acting in the public interest. Hikima sued Wike, the Inspector-General, the DSS Director-General, NSCDC, and the Attorney-General of the Federation to stop alleged arbitrary arrests in Abuja. He seeks N500 million in damages for violating the vulnerable citizens’ fundamental rights as guaranteed by Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on April 15 that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) submitted its counter affidavit. The NSCDC, in a counter affidavit signed by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all allegations. In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defense stated it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights. Another defendant, the Department of State Service (DSS), also denied the plaintiff’s allegations, asking the court to dismiss the suit.
