Lawyers Alert Condemns Arrest, Repatriation Of Street Beggars, Destitutes In Abuja

A Non-Governmental Organisation in Nigeria, Lawyers Alert has condemned the arrest and repatriation of street beggars and destitute in Abuja, the nation’s Federal Capital Territory.

The group described this action by Federal Capital Territory Administration Joint Task Force as a violation of citizens’ rights.

The statement was signed by President of Lawyers Alert, Barrister Rommy Mom and Focal Person for Petty Offence Work, Peace Okeshola.

Lawyers Alert frowned that the actions involve the arbitrary detention and repatriation of citizens living within the Abuja Metropolises because they are regarded as street baggers, street boys and vagrants who were profiled.

On Sunday, 2nd April 2023 it was reported that the FTCA repatriated 217 destitute street beggars evacuated from the street of the Federal Capital City, Abuja; they are confined at the indigent homes until they are deported or repatriated to their respective states of origin.

Amongst the persons arrested, detained and repatriated out the Abuja Metropolises are citizens the officials profiled as hawkers, street beggars’ and vagabonds.

Lawyers Alert said despite the justification, the FTCA Joint Task Force’s actions may seem commendable. Majority of these persons have no other means of livelihood, no home and shelter, and they survive on the streets.

According to the statement, “Indeed, it would not be out of place to assert that some persons that were arrested by the Joint Task Force, do not in any way portray threats to the society but were found in such poor living conditions due to poverty. These incessant arrests and repatriation by the FTCA are nothing short of criminalization based on poverty status and a gross violation of citizens’ rights.”

“The 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Abuja is evident as it provides that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout and reside in any part of the country.

“Having recourse to the provision of the constitution, one wonders about the constitutionality or otherwise of the arrest of Citizens of Nigeria by the FCTA and their subsequent repatriation to their states of origin.

“The officials’ actions in seizing goods from the beggars and destitute also constitute a violation of citizens’ rights and need to be addressed.”

Lawyers Alert, in its work, decriminalizes poverty and petty offences in Nigeria and has condemned these actions, calling on government intervention and mediation on behalf of the affected citizens.

Lawyers Alert also urge other Civil Society Organisation to engage by all means available to help these persons avoid the cycle of criminalization, incarceration. No Nigerian deserves to be discriminated against or ill-treated due to their social and financial status.