The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed February 4, 2025, for the hearing of a N500 million lawsuit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The case, brought by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, accuses Wike of violating the fundamental rights of homeless individuals, scavengers, hawkers, and beggars in Abuja.
Hikima alleges that these vulnerable groups were subjected to arbitrary arrests and detention by a task force acting on Wike’s October 2024 directive banning street hawking. He contends that such actions constitute inhumane treatment under the 1999 Constitution and has requested an apology and reforms to safeguard the rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
During Tuesday’s hearing, some respondents, including the Department of State Services, filed counter-affidavits. However, legal representatives for Wike and others were absent, prompting Justice James Omotosho to adjourn the case for a substantive hearing.
