A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo to respond to a lawsuit demanding the release of documents confirming he completed the mandatory National Youth Service Corps scheme.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the order on Monday after the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation filed the action under the Freedom of Information Act. The foundation wants the court to compel the NYSC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to produce records supporting the minister’s claim that he served the full one-year programme.
The applicant is seeking a range of documents from the NYSC, including the mobilisation or call-up letter issued to Tunji-Ojo in 2006 or any other year, the posting letter to the FCTA, evidence of approval of any remobilisation, records of allowance payments, his “book of life,” Community Development Service records, and his discharge certificate. From the FCTA it is requesting the mobilisation and posting letters, attendance records, evidence of allowances paid, and CDS records.
Counsel for the foundation, Chief Solomon Akuma (SAN), told the court he was ready to proceed. Counsel for the minister, Abiola Olaniji, said he had applied to join Tunji-Ojo as a third respondent and needed time to reply to a counter-affidavit filed by the applicant. Justice Ibrahim adjourned the matter and ordered the minister to file his response before the next hearing date.
In a supporting affidavit, the foundation’s board chairman, Uchenna Ejimafor, said the group had conducted discreet inquiries suggesting Tunji-Ojo did not serve with the FCTA in 2006 or any other year, contrary to his public claims. Solicitors for the foundation had requested the documents under the FOI Act, which requires a response within seven days, but the agencies failed to comply, the affidavit stated.
The controversy over the minister’s certificate previously prompted an official NYSC response. In a letter dated 8 August 2023, the corps said Tunji-Ojo was mobilised in 2006 and deployed to the FCT but later absconded. He resurfaced in 2019, was remobilised and posted to the FCDA.
His certificate was not ready at the passing-out parade because his name was omitted from the printing list. He applied for the document in October 2022; Certificate No. A004523631 was produced on 28 February 2023.
The suit was filed after the court granted leave on 5 October 2026.
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