The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a request by activist Emorioloye Owolemi seeking an inquiry into the academic qualifications of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Justice Binta Nyako granted the permission while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the activist.
Owolemi approached the court seeking an order to inquire into the Secondary School Certificate allegedly issued to the minister by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), arguing that discrepancies existed in the academic claims.
In a related development, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the same court on Friday refused a similar request by the activist to investigate the discharge certificate allegedly issued to the minister by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Through his lead counsel, Philemon Yakubu, SAN, the applicant argued a motion ex parte brought pursuant to Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and Sections 1, 20, and 21 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, seeking leave to question the legality of the NYSC discharge certificate.
The activist specifically sought an order of mandamus compelling the NYSC to release information contained in his letter of November 17, 2025. The requested information included monthly clearance records, financial and bank details submitted during the minister’s 2006 NYSC registration, allowance payment logs, documentation relating to alleged absconding, and internal memos, queries, or disciplinary reports tied to the matter.
He also requested registration, posting, deployment, and service records associated with the minister’s 2006 service year.
However, Justice Abdulmalik declined the application, ruling that the applicant failed to show he was acting in the public interest, as required by law.
Speaking with journalists after the court ruling, Yakubu said he would consult his client on the next legal steps, stressing that the objective remained to ensure transparency, accountability, and probity among public office holders.
