“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, in the affidavit he deposed to, averred that on Nov. 12, 2024, at about 11pm, while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way in Abuja, he personally sighted a convoy 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, in my presence, these 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 were able to get contact 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 the 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.
When the matter was called, Usman Chamo, who appeared for the applicant, told the court that the matter was fixed for hearing.
Chamo said all the respondents had been duly served.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, who appeared for DSS, equally informed the court that a counter affidavit was filed and served on the applicant’s counsel.
However, no lawyer appeared for the minister, I-G, NSCDC, AGF and the FGN.
Justice Omotosho, who ordered that a hearing notice be issued and served on the respondents who were not represented in court, adjourned the matter until Feb. 4 for a hearing.
(NAN)
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