In a landmark ruling, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the arrest and prosecution of commercial sex workers in the nation’s capital.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the case, filed by the Incorporated Trustee of Lawyers Alert Initiative for Protecting the Rights of Children, Women, and the Indigent, was both incompetent and without merit. The NGO had argued that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) was unlawfully harassing and detaining women suspected of engaging in sex work, while their male counterparts faced no similar action.
However, the court firmly disagreed, stating that prostitution remains illegal under the Penal Code Act applicable in Abuja. Justice Omotosho further emphasized that fundamental human rights are not absolute and can be restricted in cases of public morality and order.
Dismissing the suit, the judge criticized the applicant’s stance, arguing that advocating for the free movement of sex workers goes against Nigeria’s cultural and legal standards. “Prostitution has never been part of our culture. It is an immoral act that cannot be protected under human rights laws,” he stated.
With this ruling, the AEPB and FCT authorities can continue their enforcement actions against prostitution in the capital city.
