A Federal High Court in Abuja has declined an application seeking to compel the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to disclose details relating to the discharge certificate of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the ex parte application failed to satisfy the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.
The application was filed by Emorioloye Owolemi, an activist, through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu. 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, the motion sought the court’s leave to inquire into the legality of the minister’s NYSC discharge certificate.
Specifically, the applicant sought an order of mandamus directing the NYSC management to release information contained in a letter dated November 17, 2025, concerning Tunji-Ojo’s discharge certificate.
Owolemi also asked the court to compel the scheme to provide monthly clearance records from the location where the minister reportedly served prior to his alleged abscondment. He further requested bank account details and financial information submitted during Tunji-Ojo’s 2006 NYSC registration.
Additional documents sought included monthly allowance payment logs — detailing dates, amounts, bank schedules and beneficiary accounts — as well as official records indicating the date, nature and status of the alleged abscondment. The application also requested internal memos, queries, disciplinary reports or correspondence relating to the matter, alongside registration, posting, deployment and other service records tied to the minister’s 2006 service year.
However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the applicant failed to demonstrate that he was acting in the public interest, as required under the FOI Act, and consequently declined the request.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Yakubu said he would consult with his client to determine the next line of action.
He added that his client’s objective is to promote transparency, accountability and probity among public office holders in the country.
