Naija247news reports that a Federal High Court in Abuja has set March 12, 2025, for judgment in a high-profile case challenging the actions of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) regarding the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers (CSWs) in the capital city.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that Justice James Omotosho announced the date after listening to the arguments presented by both the plaintiffs and the defense during the court proceedings. The suit, filed by the Incorporated Trustee of Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protecting the Rights of Children, Women, and the Indigent, seeks to restrain the FCT Minister and AEPB from what it describes as unlawful arrests and harassment of CSWs.
Naija247news understands that the plaintiffs argue that the arrests and prosecution of CSWs violate their fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. They also claim that such actions disproportionately target women and perpetuate discrimination, calling for the court to intervene to protect vulnerable groups.
According to Naija247news, the defense, representing the FCT Minister and AEPB, countered by stating that the measures are part of broader efforts to enforce public order and sanitation laws in Abuja. They argued that the arrests were conducted within the legal framework to address societal concerns and ensure the capital city upholds its moral and environmental standards.
Naija247news reports that the case has sparked widespread public interest and debate, with human rights groups, legal experts, and social commentators weighing in on the implications of the court’s impending decision. Advocates for the plaintiffs emphasize the importance of safeguarding human dignity and addressing the root causes of economic vulnerability, while proponents of the defense stress the need for regulatory enforcement to maintain social order.
Naija247news gathered that the judgment is expected to set a significant legal precedent, with potential ripple effects on how public institutions address issues related to morality, human rights, and law enforcement in Nigeria.
Naija247news understands that as the March 12 judgment date approaches, stakeholders across various sectors are closely monitoring the case, recognizing its potential to redefine the boundaries between human rights advocacy and the enforcement of public order in the nation’s capital.
