Abuja Street Beggars, Traders And Scavengers File ₦500M Lawsuit Against Wike, Others Over Mass Arrests

Scavengers, Beggars, and Petty Traders Sue FCT Minister, Security Agencies for ₦500 Million Over Alleged Human Rights Abuses and Unlawful Arrests in Abuja

Vulnerable residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, street beggars, and petty traders, have slammed a ₦500 million lawsuit against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and other key government agencies over alleged violations of their fundamental rights.

The suit, filed by legal practitioner Abba Hikima, claims that the affected individuals were victims of unlawful arrests, harassment, and extortion during a joint security task force operation in Abuja.

A Call for Accountability

Hikima, acting in the public interest, filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The respondents include:

• Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister)
• Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
• Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
• Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
• Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)
• Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).

In the originating motion filed on November 20, 2024, Hikima argued that the joint task force’s actions breached sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee citizens’ rights to dignity, freedom of movement, and protection from discrimination.

Victims Demand Justice

The suit seeks several reliefs, including:

• ₦500 million in damages for inhumane and degrading treatment.
• A court declaration condemning the arrests, extortion, and harassment as unconstitutional.
• A public apology from the respondents to all affected individuals.
• Immediate reforms and public education initiatives to uphold the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.

According to Hikima, the arrests were carried out on October 22, 2024, following a directive by Wike targeting street traders, beggars, and homeless individuals.

Witness Testimonies Highlight Abuse

In an affidavit, Hikima recounted witnessing security personnel forcibly arresting hawkers, beggars, and other vulnerable individuals on November 12, 2024, along Ahmadu Bello Way. The detainees, including hawkers of sweets and ice cream, were verbally abused and physically threatened before being transported to Eagle Square.

The lawyer organized a meeting with three victims—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—whose accounts confirmed the violations. Hikima noted that these individuals were targeted simply because of their appearance and economic status.

“It is not a crime to be homeless, beg, or engage in petty trade,”

Hikima argued, attributing their plight to government policies and economic hardship.

Hearing Adjourned to February 4th

During the initial hearing, DSS counsel A.P. Korobo-Tamono informed the court of a counter-affidavit, while representatives for the other respondents failed to appear. Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to February 4, 2025, and directed that hearing notices be served on absent respondents.