Recall Lawyers Alert had sued the FCT Minister and Inspector General of Police regarding the arrest of women seen around Abuja streets at night. Lawyers Alert suit argues that the incessant harassment, intimidation and arrest of women in Abuja at nights on suspicion of prostitution is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of women human Rights as it breaches Section 35 (1) and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and also Articles 2 and 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.
In reaction to the Suit which comes up tomorrow in Abuja High Court No.28, the FCT Minister filed a preliminary objection to the effect that Lawyers Alert has no locus or interest in the matter to warrant our involvement. Since Lawyers Alert is not a woman and has not been arrested, the Minister says Lawyers Alert is a busy body and the matter be struck out.
Apparently the Minister did not look up the revised Fundamental Human Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules which expressly states the issue of locus is immaterial where the allegation is a matter of Human Rights Violation.
We await the Minister in Court tomorrow.