From Victor Osula, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted leave for a probe into the academic qualifications of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following an ex-parte application by activist Emorioloye Owolemi.
Justice Binta Nyako approved the application, permitting the court to examine the authenticity of the minister’s Secondary School Certificate issued by the West African Examinations Council. Owolemi had raised concerns over alleged discrepancies in Tunji-Ojo’s academic records.
In a related development, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court declined a similar request by the activist concerning the minister’s National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
Owolemi, through his counsel, Philemon Yakubu, SAN, had sought an order of mandamus compelling the NYSC to release detailed information, including service records, financial documents and materials relating to an alleged abscondment during Tunji-Ojo’s 2006 service year.
Justice Abdulmalik, after considering arguments on the ex-parte application, held that the applicant failed to demonstrate that the request was made in the public interest, as required by law.
The ruling paves the way for the court to scrutinise the minister’s WAEC certificate, while the NYSC-related allegations remain unexamined.
