FCT Minister Wike Justifies Crackdown on Homeless, Beggars Amidst Human Rights Lawsuit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the increasing number of scavengers, beggars, and homeless individuals in the capital city poses a serious security threat to residents and the environment.
Lawsuit Over Alleged Human Rights Abuse
In a case filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, Wike and several federal security agencies are facing a ₦500 million suit over alleged breach of fundamental rights of vulnerable residents in Abuja.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/2024, lists the following respondents:
Nyesom Wike (FCT Minister)
The Inspector-General of Police
Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS)
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)
The Federal Government of Nigeria
Hikima is suing in public interest, demanding a court declaration that the alleged arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment, and extortion of street-dwelling Nigerians violate their rights under Sections 34, 35, 41, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Wike’s Defence: Begging is Not a Trade Under Law
Street Presence Undermines Abuja Master Plan
In a counter-affidavit, Wike argued that many of the alleged beggars and scavengers had been caught vandalising public and private properties and were being used as spies for criminals and terrorists. He stressed that their presence undermines the Abuja Master Plan and violates the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Act of 1997.
“The presence of homeless persons setting up makeshift shelters in unauthorized areas and openly defecating poses a direct threat to public health and safety,” the affidavit stated.
Security and Environmental Concerns
Wike maintained that:
Unauthorized shelters deface the city
Open defecation and urination pollute public spaces
Street hawking violates city planning regulations
Refusal to enroll in rehabilitation programmes contributes to insecurity
He added that the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari, established for skill acquisition, has been consistently rejected by those choosing to remain on the streets.
Respondents Deny Allegations of Abuse
DSS: No Joint Operation with Police or Military
The DSS, in its response, vehemently denied involvement in any alleged joint operation on November 12, 2024, or the arrest of any individual referenced in Hikima’s claim. It argued that its operations follow global best practices and are not directed by the FCT minister.
NSCDC and AGF Reject Suit
The NSCDC also denied all allegations, stating it did not violate the rights of any individuals. The Attorney-General of the Federation similarly asked the court to dismiss the suit, describing the application as baseless and lacking evidence.
Lawyer Seeks ₦500 Million Damages and Reforms
Hikima said he personally witnessed the crackdown by a joint task force on November 12, 2024, along Ahmadu Bello Way, alleging that:
Petty traders and hawkers were arrested without cause
Individuals were verbally harassed and physically threatened
Arrests were conducted in public, causing fear and intimidation
He said he later met with three of the victims Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel who confirmed they were detained and humiliated due to their appearance and economic status.
Call for Apology and Policy Reform
Hikima is asking the court to:
Award ₦500 million in exemplary damages
Declare the minister’s directive illegal
Order a public apology from the respondents
Direct the implementation of reform policies to uphold the rights of vulnerable residents
The Bigger Picture: Between Urban Development and Human Rights
This case exposes the ongoing tension between urban planning and social justice in Nigeria’s capital. While Wike insists on enforcing the law to maintain order and security, activists argue that poverty is not a crime and that government neglect is at the root of homelessness and street trading.
The court’s ruling on this landmark case could shape how Nigerian cities handle the rights of vulnerable populations in the face of rapid urbanization.
