The Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled against a lawsuit aiming to prevent the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers (CSWs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The legal action sought to restrain the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) from carrying out enforcement measures against individuals suspected of engaging in sex work. Court Ruling on the Case Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, dismissed the plaintiff’s application on the grounds that it lacked competence under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules of 2009. The court further noted that even if the case had been properly filed, the requested reliefs were not legally sustainable. The case was initiated by the Incorporated Trustee of Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protecting the Rights of Children, Women, and the Indigent. The group filed the lawsuit against multiple respondents, including the AEPB, the FCT Minister, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF). Legal Arguments Presented The plaintiffs raised concerns over the AEPB’s authority under Section 6 of the AEPB Act, 1997. They questioned whether the board had the legal mandate to arrest, detain, and prosecute women suspected of engaging in sex work. Additionally, they contended that referring to these women as “articles” or “goods for purchase” in legal charges was discriminatory and in violation of Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution. The plaintiff sought an injunction to prevent the AEPB from further harassing or arresting women under the pretext of enforcing environmental laws. However, the defendants, represented by legal counsel Betty Umegbulem, argued that the case lacked merit and should be dismissed. Court’s Final Judgment Justice Omotosho examined the legal framework surrounding the matter, emphasizing that prostitution is considered an offense under Nigerian law, particularly under the Penal Code Act. The court ruled that fundamental rights, while important, are not absolute and may be legally restricted in certain circumstances, such as law enforcement activities. The court also highlighted that the plaintiff failed to demonstrate any specific violations of fundamental rights and could not legally represent individuals who had not personally come forward to file claims. Consequently, the case was dismissed for lacking legal merit. Legal and Social Implications This ruling reaffirms the position of Nigerian law regarding prostitution and reinforces the government’s authority to enforce existing legal provisions. The decision also sets a precedent for future cases involving claims of discrimination in law enforcement procedures. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Former NBA Chairman Bayo Akinlade calls out the unethical collusion between lawyers and police in Nigeria, citing the unlawful detention of Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi over a civil dispute. Former NBA Chairman Raises Alarm Over Legal System Exploitation The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Bayo Akinlade, has expressed deep concern over the increasing collaboration between lawyers and the police in violating citizens’ fundamental rights. Highlighting a recent case involving Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi, Akinlade criticized the misuse of legal and law enforcement processes, which he claims are being weaponized to oppress individuals rather than uphold justice. Engineer Detained Over Civil Dispute According to reports, Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi has been unlawfully detained for over two weeks at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, following his arrest on January 16, 2025. The arrest was based on a petition filed by Mrs. Olubusola Akinbiyi, Deputy General Manager at the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC), in connection to a ₦100 million loan dispute—a matter that is purely civil in nature. Akinlade emphasized that Saanumi’s prolonged detention violates legal provisions that mandate a suspect’s right to bail or timely arraignment. Legal Abuse and Alleged Extortion Attempts Saanumi’s lawyer, E. Ayo, has made several attempts to secure his release, but these have been unsuccessful. There are allegations that the complainant and her lawyer are demanding a substantial repayment before agreeing to his bail conditions. “This is a serious abuse of legal procedures and a clear attempt to use law enforcement for private financial disputes,” Akinlade remarked. He further condemned this act as a gross violation of professional ethics, warning that such misconduct by lawyers and law enforcement officers damages the credibility of the justice system. Call for NBA Intervention and Disciplinary Actions To address the issue, Akinlade is urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to investigate this troubling case. He stressed that if such practices are not checked, they will undermine the rule of law and further weaken public trust in the legal system. The NBA, he insisted, must take immediate and decisive action to curb these unethical practices and ensure that lawyers remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights rather than enabling police misconduct. Key Takeaways READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
