Abuja beggars, scavengers shock Wike 

Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of a suit filed by vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, against Minister Nyesom Wike, until May 29.

The adjournment follows a request by Adamu Mahmood, representing the plaintiffs, for more time to file a further affidavit in response to a counter affidavit served by the defendants.

The plaintiffs are demanding N500 million in damages for the alleged breach of their fundamental rights, accusing Wike, along with other defendants such as the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), of violating their constitutional rights.

The legal action was initiated by lawyer Abba Hikima, who filed the case in public interest to protect the rights of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The aggrieved residents claim that they were subjected to arbitrary arrests and unlawful harassment by security forces, following a directive by Wike in October 2024.

The plaintiffs allege that, on November 12, 2024, a joint task force consisting of military, police, and other enforcement officers forcefully apprehended homeless persons, scavengers, and beggars along Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja.

They were reportedly subjected to verbal abuse and physical threats in full view of passersby, creating fear and intimidation.

The NSCDC, in its counter affidavit, denied the allegations, asserting that it had not violated the fundamental rights of the plaintiffs.

The Department of State Services (DSS) also rejected the accusations, urging the court to dismiss the case.

Hikima, on behalf of the plaintiffs, is seeking a declaration that the actions of the defendants constituted violations of the constitutional rights of the affected individuals.

He is requesting that the court mandate the respondents to issue a public apology and implement policies to protect the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.

The case is set to resume for hearing on May 29, 2025, before Justice James Omotosho.