The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned a suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, including scavengers, beggars, petty traders, and others, against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, until 29th May for hearing.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter after Adamu Mahmood, who appeared for the plaintiff, sought an extension of time to file a further affidavit in response to a counter-affidavit served on him.
The aggrieved residents sued the minister, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and others, demanding N500 million in damages over an alleged breach of their fundamental rights.
NAN reported that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, filed its counter-affidavit on 15th April.
NSCDC, in its counter-affidavit deposed to by Goodness Akomolafe, denied all the allegations. In the application dated and filed on 15th April, the Civil Defence said it had not violated the applicants’ fundamental human rights in any way.
In addition, the Department of State Services, DSS, another defendant, also denied the allegations by the plaintiffs, urging the court to dismiss the suit.
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 19th November 2024 but filed on 20th November 2024, stated that he is suing in the public interest for the protection of vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
The applicant sued Wike, IGP, Director-General of DSS, and NSCDC as 1st to 4th respondents respectively, in a bid to stop their alleged arbitrary arrest of persons on Abuja streets.
The lawyer also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Government of Nigeria as the 5th and 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.
