Alleged arbitrary arrests in FCT: Lawyer sues Wike, others, demand N500 million damages

Some vulnerable FCT residents including scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others, have sued the Minister, Nyesom Wike, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental human rights.

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.

Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated November 19, 2024, but filed November 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The applicant dragged Minister of FCT, Wike; the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services, DSS, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to court as 1st to 4th respondents.

He also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively.

Hikima prayed the court for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens.

He also urged the court to declare that the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights.

According to him, the rights are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).

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 inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024.