FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a N500 million suit filed by some vulnerable FCT residents, including scavengers, beggars, and petty traders, against Minister Nyesom Wike and others.
Justice James Omotosho held that the suit lacked merit and that there was no credible evidence to prove that the rights of the vulnerable people were breached by the defendants.
The judge observed that the only evidence attached to the suit were online copies of newspaper reports, which were not certified by the National Library.
“In relying on newspaper reports, a party cannot just print or buy a newspaper from a vendor and bring it to court without being certified by the National Library,” he said.
“This court will not waste its time relying on newspaper reports to prove the truth of the contents therein.”
Justice Omotosho also held that fundamental rights are not absolute and can be breached in some instances, including suspicion of committing crimes and on grounds of public safety, public order, and public health. He cited previous Supreme Court decisions to back his judgment.
The judge further stated that there is no fundamental right to beg and that begging as a full-time profession is usually a result of laziness and indolence.
“There is no dignity in begging as we are encouraged to work hard,” he said.
Justice Omotosho held that the minister’s actions in removing the vulnerable people from the streets were constitutional and legal.
“Allowing homeless persons, scavengers, beggars, and unauthorized petty traders to roam around the city without check would amount to a dereliction of duty on the part of the minister,” he said.
The judge, therefore, dismissed the suit for lack of merit. “The case of the applicant fails in its entirety as there is no credible proof on record to support the reliefs sought,” he said.
“Consequently, this application is hereby dismissed for lack of merit.”
