The Federal High Court in Abuja has authorised an investigation into the academic credentials of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, following an application filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi.
Justice Binta Nyako granted the request in a ruling on an ex parte motion, permitting an inquiry into the Minister’s Secondary School Certificate reportedly issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Owolemi had approached the court, citing alleged inconsistencies in the academic records attributed to the Minister and sought judicial backing to scrutinise the authenticity of the certificate.
In a related proceeding, however, Joyce Abdulmalik, another judge of the same court, declined a separate application by the activist seeking a similar probe into Tunji-Ojo’s discharge certificate from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu (SAN), the applicant had invoked Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, alongside Sections 1, 20 and 21 of the Freedom of Information Act, requesting leave to challenge the legality of the Minister’s NYSC discharge certificate.
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Specifically, the motion sought an order of mandamus compelling the NYSC to release details contained in a letter dated November 17, 2025, relating to the Minister’s discharge documentation.
The information requested included monthly clearance records, details of the place of primary assignment, financial and bank information supplied during his 2006 NYSC registration, as well as payment logs showing dates, amounts and accounts credited.
The application further demanded official records concerning the date and circumstances of the Minister’s alleged abscondment, including internal memoranda, disciplinary correspondence, and documentation covering his registration, deployment and service year.
Justice Abdulmalik, after hearing arguments, refused the application on the grounds that the applicant failed to demonstrate that the action was brought in the public interest, as required by law.
Reacting to the ruling, Yakubu said he would confer with his client to determine the next legal steps. He maintained that the suit was driven by a commitment to transparency, accountability and integrity in public office.
