Lawyer sues Wike over ‘wrongful arrest, harassment’ of scavengers, traders

Abba Hikima, a legal practitioner, has filed a suit against Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) for allegedly violating the rights of scavengers and traders in the city.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 and filed on November 20 before the Abuja federal high court, Hikima who is the plaintiff, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

The inspector-general of police, director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were joined as 1st to 4th respondents.

The lawyer also sued the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and federal government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents, respectively.

In his affidavit, Hikima alleged that on November 12, he witnessed a joint task force arresting homeless individuals, scavengers, and petty traders in Abuja, including hawkers and roadside vendors at about 11 pm along Ahmadu Bello Way.

He claimed the arrested individuals were harassed, threatened, and detained at Eagle Square.

“In my presence, these individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,” he said.

Hikima linked the arrests to Wike’s October 22 directive and argued that homelessness, begging, and petty trading are not crimes.

He said these issues stem from harsh government policies and failure to cater to the needs of vulnerable citizens.

The lawyer is seeking ₦500 million in damages, a public apology, and reforms to uphold the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.

He also asked the court to declare the arrests, harassment, and detention unconstitutional.

When the matter was called on Tuesday, Usman Chamo, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the matter was fixed for hearing, adding that the respondents had been duly served.

A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, equally informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant counsel.

However, no lawyer appeared for the minister, IGP, NSCDC, AGF and the federal government.

James Omotosho, presiding judge, ordered that hearing notice be issued and served on the respondents who were not represented in court.

He adjourned the matter until February 4 for hearing.