A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a ruling for March 12, 2025, regarding a lawsuit aimed at preventing the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers in the city.
The case was brought by the Incorporated Trustee of Lawyers Alert Initiative, which advocates for the rights of vulnerable groups, including women and children.
The group filed the suit against the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, the FCTA, and the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), claiming that the AEPB’s actions violate constitutional rights.
The organization argued that the AEPB’s enforcement of laws related to sex work, particularly the classification of women as “articles” or “goods for purchase,” is discriminatory and unlawful.
The plaintiffs have called for the court to restrain the AEPB from arresting or prosecuting women suspected of sex work.
They also seek a declaration that such actions are unconstitutional and that the AEPB’s mandate does not extend to the harassment of women on the streets of Abuja.
Additionally, the plaintiffs are asking for orders that would ensure a more humane approach to law enforcement in the city.
In response, the defendants denied the allegations, stating that the suit is based on unsubstantiated claims.
They further argued that the AGF was not informed in advance of the lawsuit and that there is no legal basis for halting the AEPB’s enforcement activities.
The court has now set a date to hear the arguments and deliver its judgment.
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