Court adjourns N500m suit filed by scavengers, beggars against Wike

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, against the Minister, Nyesom Wike, until May 5 for hearing. The aggrieved residents comprised of scavengers, beggars, petty traders, among others. They sued the minister, the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, among others, demanding N500 million in damages over alleged breach of their fundamental rights. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the suit after counsel for the plaintiff, Usman Chamo, informed the court that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had just served him with its counter affidavit. Chamo said he would need more time to file a response to the application. The lawyers, who appeared for the defence, did not oppose the application and the matter was adjourned until May 5 for hearing. The NSCDC (civil defence), in its counter affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations. In the application dated and filed April 15, the civil defence said it had not violated the applicant’s fundamental human rights in any way. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a legal practitioner, Abba Hikima, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1749/3024 before Justice Omotosho on behalf of the vulnerable residents. Hikima, listed as the applicant in the originating motion dated Nov. 19, 2024, but filed Nov. 20, 2024, said he is suing in public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria. The applicant sued Wike; I-G; Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents in his bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest on Abuja streets. The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Federal Government of Nigeria as 5th to 6th respondents respectively. He is praying for an order awarding the sum of N500 million as general and exemplary damages for the violation of the fundamental rights of the affected citizens. He prayed the court to declare that “the arbitrary arrest, detention without charges, harassment and extortion of homeless persons, scavengers, petty traders, beggars and other vulnerable Nigerians resident in the FCT, constitute a violation of their fundamental rights. The rights, they said, are guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as altered).” “A declaration that the treatment of vulnerable citizens, including verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge, constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). “A declaration that Nigerians regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41 and 42 of the Constitution.” He is, therefore, seeking “an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated the 22nd October, 2024. “An order mandating the respondents to set in motion and implement immediate policies and reforms, including public education for the realisation of the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians residing in Nigeria.” Hikima averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, on the Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he sighted a motorcade of a joint task force security operatives and enforcement officers, including personnel of the military and police arresting numerous individuals perceived as homeless persons, scavengers and beggars. He alleged that those arrested include hawkers of goods such as ice cream, sweets and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful businesses along the roadside and persons dressed in ways reflecting their economic hardship or appearing homeless. According to him, the individuals were forcefully apprehended, verbally harassed and subjected to physical threats in full view of all passersby, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. He said he felt devastated as a human rights lawyer, and decided to trail the task force’s motorcade from a reasonable distance to Eagle Square along Shehu Shagari Way where they dropped off the victims. He said he went back to the place where these persons were arrested and was able to get contacts of some of the victims. He said on Nov. 15, 2024, he organised a meeting with three of the victims namely, Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi and Judith Samuel, whose testimonies were recorded and verily believed to be correct and true. The lawyer said the minister gave a directive for the arrest on Oct. 22, 2024, and that it was in the guise of enforcing the directive that the joint task force was constituted to carry out the directive. According to him, it is not a crime to be homeless, beg or embark on a petty trade in Nigeria. He said the homelessness, begging and petty trading for which the trio of Abdullatif, Talatu and Judith were arrested, detained and humiliated was occasioned by the harsh and unbearable government policies being experienced all over the country. Hikima also attributes their plights to government’s failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives. The lawyer urged the court to grant their reliefs in the interest of justice to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure accountability for the respondents’ actions.

Wike Orders Demolition Of Scavengers’ Colonies In Mabushi, Jahi, Kado

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of the scavengers’ colony along the road corridor cutting across Mabushi, Jahi and Kado Districts. Wike gave the order in Abuja on Tuesday, when he visited the area, officially known as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District of the FCT. He described the colony, located behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District, as a “threat” to the security of the city. The area had been taken over by scavengers popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and furniture makers. The minister, who was accompanied by a combined team of security personnel and senior officials of FCT Administration, added that efforts would be heightened to rid the city of criminal elements. He said that such dens of criminals would not be allowed in the FCT. He said that the colony was also encouraged by the thick canopy of cashew trees planted by the indigenous people of the FCT for speculative purposes. Wike warned against planting such trees in areas where the government had mapped out for development. According to him, the government will not pay compensation for the trees. Wike ordered the Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority to clear the entire area and take a scope of the road for preliminary works. “You should not compensate them. This is a hideout of criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area. “When they see that the government intends to develop the road, they come and plant crops for the government to pay compensation. We are not going to do any compensation. “The Development Control must clear this area, chase out all these criminals. “These are the kind of things you see that people commit crimes and then before you know it, they run down here for cover and people will be saying oh, FCT is not safe. “It is not a question of giving them notice. There is no notice. You must chase them out now and clear the entire area,” he said. The minister assured the residents of FCT that the government would do everything possible to reduce the level of crime. Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Coordinator, Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, assured the minister that the area would be cleared of all structures and send the criminals packing. Galadima, who is also the Director, Department of Development Control, said that the area was proposed for a transit road network that transverses the city across districts. He said that scavengers had however turned the area into a colony, harbouring all kinds of criminals. “With the security challenges across the country, illegal activities of this nature will not be allowed to continue. “That is why we are not giving consideration to compensation; we have to secure the place. “After the clearing the area, FCDA will move in immediately, nobody will come in and settle again,” he said.

Nigeria @63: Wike Calls For Collective Efforts To Rebuild FCT

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has called for collective efforts in rebuilding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Wike, who made the call in his independence message in Abuja on Sunday, stressed that building a strong and resilient society requires collective effort. “It means working together to address the issues that confront us, be it in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, or security. “It means fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that empowers our youth and creates opportunities for all. “As residents of the FCT, we are not only Nigerians but also representatives of our nation’s diversity and unity,” he said. He reiterated the FCT Administration’s dedication to enhance the infrastructural development of the FCT and improve essential social services to meet the growing needs of residents. He, however, noted that this monumental task cannot be accomplished by the FCTA alone. “It is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation and commitment of every resident. “In this regard, I implore all residents to fulfill their civic responsibilities by paying their taxes promptly, including ground rents and utility bills. “These contributions are crucial for sustaining and enhancing the services and infrastructure that make our city function smoothly. The minister described Independence Day as not merely “a date on the calendar”, but a reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors. He added that the day was also a reminder of the struggles they endured, and the dreams they held for a united and prosperous Nigeria. “Today, as the FCT Minister, I want to call upon each resident of the territory to rededicate themselves to the vision of a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria. “Let us be reminded, therefore, of our obligation to society; our responsibilities as citizens extend beyond our rights. “We must contribute to the well-being of our fellow Nigerians and actively participate in the development of our communities and the nation. “In the FCT, where diversity is our strength, let us also remember our unique role as residents. We must live up to the tenets of unity that our capital represents. “Let us build bridges across cultures, religions, and ethnicities. “As we strive to make Abuja a great city, I call upon every resident to join hands with us,” the minister said. 

Ban Activities Of Eze-Igbo Group In Abuja, Ohanaeze Urges Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has been called upon to ban the activities of Eze-Igbos in Abuja The President of Ohaneze, FCT Chapter, Barrister Ifeanyichukwu Nweze, said anyone who wants to become Eze-Igbo should return to the South-East.  He said the FCT is not Igboland and therefore, cannot have Eze-Igbo. Barrister Nweze said: “Following the sack of Uche Isaac Egenti, Ibe Nwosu, and others by the General Assembly of Ohanaeze Nd‘Iigbo FCT Abuja Chapter for causing crises in the FCT, and subsequent communication of the same to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, we wish to say that Uche Isaac Egenti and his cohorts employed one FCK Obike (one of the erstwhile members of the Executive Committee ostracized with them) to author a phantom impeachment against our president.  “The Ohanaeze Nd’Igbo FCT Abuja Chapter’s General Assembly through the Executive Committee reiterates that Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is not Igboland; therefore, there are no Eze-Igbos in the Federal Capital Territory. People seeking to be Eze/Kings should go back to their home states in the South East and follow the guiding laws in respect of Chieftaincy – Nd‘lgbo cannot build kingdoms within the traditional leaderships of their host communities thereby creating confusion, unwarranted rivalry, and crises in the FCT.  “Henry Ugbaja, Hilary Ukpabi, FCK Obike, and Promise thezie, who are unknown to their respective Presidents General of Abia State and Imo State communities in FCT Abuja, and were ostracized with Uche Isaac Egenti; they cannot speak for Ohanaeze.” He called, on the unsuspecting members of the public to beware of their activities and added that Ohanaeze Nd‘Igbo FCT Abuja Chapter is a responsible organization that will not under this regime seek for funds from the general public.  He said those parading themselves as Eze- Igbo gathered Igbo people, especially the unemployed or under-employed for which they approach authorities for patronage; from which they receive monies and other benefits for either their personal use or for use to further enslave the unsuspecting vulnerable people.  “They have leutenants whom they also address as Ezes; some of whom are not employed at all and/or are not even known at all by members of their extended families not to talk of their communities in the South East – they have employed this purporting traditional Leadership of Nd’Igbo for fraud and deceit to the detriment of the FCT society at large.  “Sir, those who want to have kingdoms should go home to the South East and become Ezes/Kings if they can; and should stop causing confusion in the city. The Federal Capital Territory is not Igbo villages; and kingdoms do not exist within other kingdoms,” he said. 

Wike Presents Vehicles To 3rd Class Chiefs In FCT, Promises Improved Welfare

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Friday presented 10 vehicles to 3rd Class Chiefs in the federal capital and promised improved welfare for traditional leaders. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd Class chiefs were from Gomani, Yaba, Bwari, Pai, Garki, Jiwa, Wako, Rubochi, Gwargwada and Zuba Chiefdoms. Wike explained, while handing over the Nissan Semi SUV keys to the traditional rulers in Abuja, that the gesture was part of government efforts to ease the mobility of the traditional leaders. He said that the government has a responsibility to encourage traditional leaders by providing them all the necessary logistics to enable them to do their work diligently and with ease. “Part of that is mobility. I can’t see how traditional rulers will be boarding taxis or entering public transport. That is unacceptable. “President Bola Tinubu has directed that that should not be allowed to continue. Has asked that we must do everything possible to make it convenient and easy for you to do your assignment,” he said. He said that in line with the renewed agenda of Tinubu, every stakeholder has a role to play, including traditional rulers, particularly in the area of security. “You know your communities better than anybody; you know the people within their communities, so you will be able to identify those who look like strangers. “No agency will perform its function without the support of traditional rulers, and we believe that we must partner together to achieve the fight against insecurity. “So, today we are going to hand over 10 vehicles to you to please help in supporting the government to fight insecurity in your domain. Be sure that we are going to work together. “If we don’t work together, we will not achieve results, because everybody is important in the fight against insecurity,” Wike said. The minister also disclosed that Tinubu has directed the FCTA to make traditional rulers very comfortable by augmenting the little allowances the Area Councils were providing them. He said: “We will soon meet with the Area Councils’ chairmen and the traditional rulers so that we can work out strategies for the welfare package and what role you will play to assist the government to achieve its renewed agenda. “The new agender is that things must work. “The Mandate Secretaries have been appointed and sworn in. I don’t want to hear any excuses from any department. “We are not here to give excuses; we know there are challenges before we came here. It is our duty to solve these challenges,” Wike said. Responding, the Chairman, FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, thanked the minister for the support and pledged the support of traditional rulers to move FCT forward.