Court approves probe into Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo’s academic qualifications

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted approval for an investigation into the academic qualifications of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The ruling followed an application filed by activist Emorioloye Owolemi, who sought the court’s permission to verify the minister’s secondary school certificate.

Justice Binta Nyako granted the request in an ex-parte ruling.

The judge agreed that the inquiry could proceed based on claims of inconsistencies in the minister’s academic history.

Owolemi told the court that there were questions surrounding the certificate reportedly issued by the West African Examination Council.
He argued that the matter required clarification in the public interest.

However, the court declined a second request linked to the minister’s National Youth Service Corps records.

In a separate ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik refused an application seeking access to the minister’s NYSC discharge certificate.
The judge ruled that the activist failed to show that the request was made strictly in the public interest, as required by law.

Through his lawyer, Philemon Yakubu (SAN), the activist had asked the court to compel the National Youth Service Corps to release detailed records.
These included monthly clearance reports, allowance payment logs, bank schedules, and documents on the minister’s posting and deployment during the 2006 service year.

The request also covered internal memos, disciplinary records, and any documents relating to an alleged abscondment from service.

Justice Abdulmalik dismissed the application after hearing arguments.
She maintained that the legal conditions for granting such an order were not met.

Speaking after the ruling, Yakubu said he would consult with his client on the next step.
He added that the action was driven by the need for transparency and accountability in public office.

The court’s approval of the academic certificate probe means the investigation into the minister’s WAEC record will now proceed through legal channels.