The Federal Hogh Court has dismissed ₦500 million lawsuit challenging the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) ongoing crackdown on street scavengers, beggars, and illegal traders, marking a significant legal win for the administration of Minister Nyesom Wike.
Filed in November 2024 by Abuja-based lawyer Abba Hikima, the suit alleged that enforcement operations targeting informal actors in the FCT violated constitutional rights to dignity, liberty, movement, and protection from discrimination. The plaintiff sought ₦500 million in damages and named the FCT Minister, IGP, DG SSS, NSCDC CG, Attorney-General, and the Federal Government as respondents.
However, the court ruled that granting the reliefs sought would turn Abuja into “a haven of all sorts of unwanted and unwholesome activities.” It upheld the legality of the operations under the Abuja Environmental Protection Act, citing public safety, health, and urban order.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Adewale Saka Ajao, praised the ruling, calling it “a boost to police efforts to curb vandalism of public infrastructure.” He noted that the crackdown has already led to a sharp decline in manhole thefts and street-level crime.
The judgment coincides with the launch of “Operation Sweep Abuja Clean,” a multi-agency initiative targeting public nuisances and criminal hotspots. Minister Wike stressed the capital must reflect national pride, not serve as a haven for beggars and scavengers “used by criminal elements.”
Despite criticism from rights advocates, security experts argue that unregulated street activity often enables organized crime and poses serious risks to infrastructure and residents. The court’s ruling affirms the government’s authority to maintain public order while enabling structured rehabilitation for the vulnerable.
“This move is not just about enforcement; it’s about reclaiming the capital for law-abiding citizens,” CP Ajao said. “The judgment is a collective gain for residents who have suffered from those hiding behind poverty to commit crimes.”
The FCTA has pledged to continue relocating vulnerable individuals to their home states for social support, reinforcing that its approach is not punitive but rooted in broader security and welfare concerns.
