FCT Scavengers, Beggers sue Nyesom Wike for fundamental rights infringement
The Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Scavengers, beggars, petty traders, and other vulnerable people residing in Abuja, have filed a l@wsuit against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, over the alleged breach of their fundamental rights.
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A legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: ”FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024” before Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the vulnerable residents. The vulnerable persons are demanding N500 million in damages.
The applicant sued Wike alongside the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, har@ssment and ext0rtion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a vi0lation of their fundamental rights in Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.
He is, therefore, seeking an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhum@ne, arbitrary, and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of Wike.
Hikima also attributes the plights of the vulnerable people to the government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.
The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.
When the matter was called, A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant’s counsel.
However, no lawyer appeared for the Minister, IG, NSCDC, AGF, and the FGN. Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until February 4 for a hearing.
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