Federal High Court in Abuja begins hearing a suit seeking mandatory NYSC service records for Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to begin hearing a high-profile legal suit concerning the mandatory national service records of Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
The legal action was brought forward by the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation, an NGO that filed a motion on notice marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026 to compel transparency from public authorities.
Justice Salim Ibrahim previously granted leave for the applicant to commence the mandamus action, targeting both the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Capital Territory Administration over withheld documentation.
Court Motion and Requested Documents
The applicant is asking the court for an order of mandamus directing the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Capital Territory Administration to produce critical service documents, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Represented by counsel Chief Solomon Akuma, the foundation is requesting the original mobilisation or call-up letter, posting letters, application for mobilisation, and evidence of remobilisation approval from the Director-General.
Additional records demanded by the applicant include evidence of allowance payments, the official book of life, Community Development Service records, attendance sheets, and the final discharge certificate.
Investigation and Freedom of Information Act
The 25-paragraph supporting affidavit was deposed by Uchenna Ejimafor, Chairman of the foundation, whose organization focuses on exposing corruption, bribery, and abuse of office within public and private institutions.
Ejimafor stated that discreet investigations by the NGO revealed that the minister did not undertake his mandatory service in 2006 with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, prompting formal information requests.
Although the Freedom of Information Act obliges agencies to respond within seven days, the respondents allegedly failed or neglected to release the records, forcing the foundation to seek judicial intervention.
NYSC Clarification and Certificate History
A previous letter from the NYSC dated August 8, 2023, and signed by Fasakin B. A., detailed the service history of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
The correspondence stated that the minister was initially mobilised in 2006, deployed to the FCT, but subsequently absconded from the scheme before resurfacing in 2019 for official remobilisation.
After applying through the FCT State Coordinator on October 18, 2022, his certificate numbered A004523631 was eventually produced on February 28, 2023, following an initial omission from printing applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Federal High Court hear the Tunji-Ojo NYSC suit?
The Federal High Court in Abuja is set to begin hearing the suit filed against the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Capital Territory Administration on Monday.
Who filed the lawsuit regarding the minister service records?
The lawsuit was filed by the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation, represented by counsel Chief Solomon Akuma, under the Freedom of Information Act.
What specific documents are being requested from the NYSC?
The applicant is demanding documents including the call-up letter, posting letter, book of life records, Community Development Service logs, and the discharge certificate issued to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
