The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has scheduled May 29, 2025, as the new hearing date for a legal case brought by vulnerable residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—including street scavengers, beggars, and small-scale traders—against the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and several federal agencies.
Justice James Omotosho presided over the case and approved an adjournment following a request made by the plaintiffs’ counsel, Adamu Mahmood. Mahmood sought additional time to file a supplementary affidavit in response to a counter-affidavit recently submitted by one of the defendants.
The plaintiffs, who represent a marginalized population in Abuja, are pursuing N500 million in compensation. They argue that their constitutional rights were infringed upon due to alleged unlawful treatment by the authorities.
According to a report from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had previously filed a counter-affidavit on April 15, 2025. The document, sworn by an officer named Goodness Akomolafe, categorically rejected all claims made by the plaintiffs. The NSCDC maintained that no infringement on fundamental human rights occurred in any of their enforcement actions.
Similarly, the Department of State Services (DSS)—another party to the case—also rejected the allegations. The DSS requested the court to dismiss the lawsuit on the grounds that the accusations are baseless.
The original legal motion, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024, was filed by legal practitioner Abba Hikima. Representing the collective interests of the vulnerable residents, Hikima filed the motion on November 20, 2024, a day after it was dated.
The lawsuit targets six respondents: Minister Nyesom Wike, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, the Director-General of DSS, and the Commandant-General of NSCDC, as the 1st through 4th respondents. The Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Government of Nigeria are also listed as the 5th and 6th respondents.
Hikima is advocating for an order from the court that would compel these government institutions to pay ₦500 million in general and exemplary damages. The compensation is intended to address the purported infringement of the basic rights of economically disadvantaged individuals found on the streets of Abuja.
Related News:
News Agency of Nigeria – NAN
- Understanding Fundamental Human Rights in Nigeria
- What to Know About the Nigerian Legal System
- Nyesom Wike’s Role in FCT Development
- Why Vulnerable Groups Sue Government Bodies
- Court Cases Involving the DSS and Human Rights
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