The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking the release of records relating to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Justice Salim Ibrahim gave the directive after the minister’s lawyer, Abiola Olaniji, said he had applied to join Tunji-Ojo as the third respondent and needed time to reply to the applicant’s counter-affidavit.
Olaniji said the minister was ready to participate in the proceedings as an interested party.
However, counsel to the applicant, the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation, Solomon Akuma, opposed the application, arguing that the suit sought to compel the NYSC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to release documents not in the minister’s custody.
Justice Ibrahim directed the minister to file and serve his reply before the next hearing and adjourned the matter until October 18.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1812/2026, the foundation asked the court to compel the NYSC to release documents supporting Tunji-Ojo’s claim that he completed the mandatory one-year national service.
It also sought an order of mandamus directing the FCTA to produce records showing that the minister carried out his primary assignment there.
The documents sought from the NYSC include Tunji-Ojo’s mobilisation or call-up letter, posting letter, application for mobilisation, approval for remobilisation, allowance payment records, Community Development Service records and discharge certificate.
The foundation also requested his posting and attendance records at the FCTA, evidence of any allowances paid to him and other related documents.
The suit was brought under the Federal High Court Act, the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and the Freedom of Information Act 2011.
