COURT ADJOURNS N500M RIGHTS ABUSE SUIT AGAINST FCT MINISTER WIKE TO JULY 10 FOR JUDGMENT

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until July 10, 2025, for judgment in a N500 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by a group of vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, and several federal agencies.

Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Thursday after hearing arguments from the parties involved, including the applicants’ counsel, Adamu Mahmud, and representatives of the Minister, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).

The suit, filed by Abuja-based lawyer Abba Hikima in November 2024, seeks redress for alleged human rights violations involving homeless persons, scavengers, beggars, and petty traders in the FCT. The plaintiffs are demanding N500 million in general and exemplary damages, alleging arbitrary arrests, detention without charges, extortion, and harassment by security operatives.

In his response, the FCT Minister, through a counter affidavit, denied all allegations, arguing that the presence of unregulated street dwellers and scavengers constitutes a serious security and environmental threat. The minister stated that the FCT administration is legally empowered to enforce the Abuja Master Plan and cited violations of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Act.

Similarly, the DSS and NSCDC also denied any wrongdoing. The DSS asserted that it neither participated in any joint security operation on the alleged date nor arrested any of the applicants. It emphasized that its operations are guided by constitutional and professional standards. The NSCDC also dismissed the allegations, stating that no rights were breached.

All respondents, including the AGF, urged the court to dismiss the suit for lack of merit, citing insufficient evidence and failure to establish a reasonable cause of action.

The plaintiffs, however, maintain that the clampdown on vulnerable individuals violates their rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

The judgment on the case is now scheduled to be delivered on July 10.