The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the increasing number of scavengers, beggars, and homeless people across the capital city poses a significant threat to public security, environmental hygiene, and urban planning.
Wike made the statement in a counter affidavit filed in response to a fundamental rights enforcement suit brought against him and several federal agencies.
The suit was filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima on behalf of three vulnerable residents—Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel—who alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and mistreatment by a joint task force in Abuja.
They are seeking N500 million in damages, claiming their rights under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution were violated.
In response, Wike, through a representative in the FCTA Legal Services Secretariat, argued that the applicants’ activities—including sleeping under bridges and selling goods on sidewalks—violate the Abuja Master Plan and pose serious health and security risks.
He said begging is not a lawful trade and that many alleged scavengers have been found to participate in criminal activity, including vandalism and serving as informants for criminal groups.
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The minister also stated that makeshift shelters and open defecation by homeless residents have become a growing concern, citing violations of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, AEPB, Act of 1997.
He emphasized that it is his statutory duty to ensure the implementation of the Master Plan and maintain urban order and cleanliness.
Wike said the FCTA has made efforts to support the vulnerable through skill acquisition programs and rehabilitation centers such as the one in Bwari.
According to him, despite opportunities for reintegration and support, many individuals chose to return to the streets, creating a “menace” for the city and its residents.
Other respondents in the case include the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government.
Each party filed individual responses denying wrongdoing and rejecting the claims of abuse.
The DSS stated categorically that it did not arrest or detain any of the named individuals and maintained that its operations comply with constitutional provisions.
The NSCDC and AGF also denied any violation of fundamental rights and asked the court to dismiss the case.
Hikima, in his originating motion, argued that being homeless or engaging in petty trade should not attract criminal penalties.
He alleged that the minister ordered the crackdown on Oct. 22, 2024, leading to mass arrests and the humiliation of several vulnerable residents.
The matter is before Justice James Omotosho, who will consider both sides’ arguments in deciding whether there was indeed a breach of fundamental human rights and whether the N500 million compensation sought is justified.
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