Eviction: Court hears N500m suit against Wike Feb 4
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 4, 2025, to hear a N500m lawsuit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, by a human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima, on behalf of vulnerable residents of the FCT.
The suit challenges the alleged violation of the fundamental rights of homeless individuals, scavengers, hawkers, and beggars, following their reported arbitrary arrest and detention by a joint task force under the minister’s directive.
Hikima claimed that on November 12, 2024, he witnessed a convoy of security operatives rounding up individuals perceived as vulnerable while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way at about 11 p.m.
He described the scene as one of “verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge,” which he argued constituted “inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
He is seeking a declaration that “Nigerians, regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja, including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission, or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution.”
Among his prayers is an order directing the respondents to issue “a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary, and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated October 22, 2024.”
He also requested an order mandating the respondents to implement policies and reforms to protect the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawsuit follows Wike’s October 2024 directive banning street hawking in the FCT.
The minister argued that such activities were linked to rising criminality in the capital city.
However, Hikima contends that homelessness, begging, and petty trading “are not crimes in Nigeria” and attributes these situations to “harsh and unbearable government policies” as well as the government’s “failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.”
Hikima’s affidavit also alleged that individuals arrested under the directive included hawkers of ice cream, sweets, and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful roadside businesses; and those dressed in ways reflecting economic hardship.
“I felt devastated as a human rights lawyer,” Hikima said, adding that he had followed the task force’s motorcade to Eagle Square, where the victims were dropped off.
He identified three of the victims – Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel – whose testimonies he documented as evidence.
Listed as respondents in the case are Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicant, confirmed that all respondents had been served.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, stated that a counter-affidavit had been filed, but no legal representatives appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, or other respondents.
Justice James Omotosho ordered hearing notices to be served on the absent respondents and adjourned the case until February 4, 2025, for a substantive hearing.
