Court sets date to hear beggars, scavengers’ suit against Wike
A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed February 18 for a hearing in the suit by vulnerable persons against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and others challenging their arrests and detention.
Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday, while adjourning the suit, also directed the service of court papers on the Inspector General of Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Attorney General of the Federation.
Earlier, counsel to the applicants, Usman Chamo, informed the court that his clients are still being harassed in the FCT, maintaining that Wike “declared war on street begging” in the territory.
In his reply, counsel to the Department of State Security Service, A.K. Karobo-Tamuno, informed the court that they had filed a counter affidavit asking the court to dismiss the suit for want of merit and substance.
The public interest litigation was filed, on behalf of vulnerable citizens by Abba Hikima, contending that arbitrary arrest, detention without charges of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT and doing their lawful duties is illegal.
