A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed an application seeking to compel the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to release details of the discharge certificate of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The request was brought before the court under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik held that the ex parte application failed to meet the legal requirements outlined in the FOI Act 2011. The case was filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi through his lawyer, Philemon Yakubu, who sought the court’s permission to question the legality of the minister’s NYSC discharge certificate.

The applicant asked for an order compelling the NYSC to provide documents, including monthly clearance records, payment logs, bank details, and internal correspondence relating to Tunji-Ojo’s 2006 service year. He also requested records connected to an alleged abscondment and other service-related documentation.

However, the court ruled that the applicant did not sufficiently prove he was acting in the public interest, which is a key requirement under the FOI Act. Following the judgment, the applicant’s counsel stated that they would review the decision and consider possible next steps, emphasizing that the aim of the case was to promote transparency and accountability in public office.