The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the growing population of beggars, scavengers, and homeless individuals in the capital poses a serious security and environmental threat.
He made this known in a counter affidavit opposing a N500 million lawsuit filed on behalf of some vulnerable FCT residents.
The suit, filed by human rights lawyer Abba Hikima, accuses the minister and other federal security agencies of violating the rights of the homeless and vulnerable through arbitrary arrests, harassment, and detentions.
The applicants are seeking damages, a public apology, and court-mandated reforms.
In response, Wike argued that begging and street trading are illegal under the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) Act and violate the FCT Master Plan.
He claimed some scavengers act as informants for criminals and that makeshift shelters contribute to insecurity and health hazards.
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Wike said the FCTA has provided vocational training and rehabilitation centres for vulnerable individuals, but many reject these efforts and return to the streets.
Other respondents, including the DSS, NSCDC, AGF, and Police, also denied involvement in human rights abuses.
The DSS dismissed claims it participated in joint arrests, asserting that its operations follow due process.
Justice James Omotosho will determine the outcome of the case, which raises significant questions about the rights of the urban poor versus city planning and security enforcement in Abuja.
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