A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined a request seeking to compel the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to disclose details of the discharge certificate of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the ex parte application did not meet the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
The application was filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu.
It was brought pursuant to Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and sections 1, 20 and 21 of the FoI Act 2011.
Mr Owolemi sought an order of mandamus directing the NYSC to release information contained in a letter dated November 17, 2025, concerning the minister’s discharge certificate.
He also requested monthly clearance records from the location where Minister Tunji-Ojo reportedly served prior to his alleged abscondment, bank account details and financial information submitted during his 2006 NYSC registration.
Other documents sought included monthly allowance payment logs, with dates, amounts, bank schedules and recipient accounts, as well as official documentation detailing the date, nature and status of the alleged abscondment.
The applicant further asked for internal memos, queries, disciplinary reports or correspondence relating to the alleged abscondment, in addition to registration, posting, deployment and service records linked to the minister’s 2006 service year.
Justice Abdulmalik held that the applicant did not demonstrate that he was acting in the public interest as required under the FoI Act and declined the request.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Mr Yakubu said he would consult with his client on the next line of action.
He added that the application was aimed at promoting transparency and accountability among public office holders.
In a related development, another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako, granted Owolemi leave to inquire into the academic qualifications of the minister, including a Secondary School Certificate said to have been issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
