Breaking News: Court Approves Investigation into Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo’s WAEC Credentials.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved an application from activist Emorioloye Owolemi, allowing a probe into the academic qualifications of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

During the court session, which Lagos Reporters monitored, Justice Binta Nyako granted the request following an ex parte application submitted by the activist.

Owolemi’s application seeks to verify the authenticity of the Secondary School Certificate purportedly issued to the minister by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). He raised concerns over inconsistencies in the minister’s academic credentials and requested permission to access relevant records for verification.

In a related ruling, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, another judge at the same court, denied a similar request from Owolemi regarding the minister’s discharge certificate from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The request was presented by Owolemi’s lead counsel, Philemon Yakubu, SAN, citing Order 34 of the Federal High Court Civil Rules 2019 and Sections 1, 20, and 21 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Owolemi sought a mandamus order to compel the NYSC to disclose information requested in a letter dated November 17, 2025, concerning the minister’s discharge certificate held by the agency.

He requested various documents, including monthly clearance records indicating the minister’s service location prior to an alleged abscondment, as well as financial details submitted during his 2006 service year. Additional requests included logs of monthly allowance payments, with specifics on dates, amounts, and the accounts used.

Furthermore, Owolemi sought official NYSC documents outlining the date, nature, and status of the minister’s alleged abscondment, along with internal memos, queries, disciplinary reports, and other related correspondence. He also requested records from the minister’s 2006 NYSC service.

After reviewing the arguments regarding the ex parte application, Justice Abdulmalik concluded that the applicant did not sufficiently demonstrate that he was acting in the public interest, which is a legal requirement. She ruled that the necessary criteria to compel the NYSC to release the information had not been satisfied.

Following the proceedings, Yakubu expressed his intent to consult with Owolemi about the next steps. He emphasized that the activist’s aim is to foster transparency and accountability among public officials, asserting that these legal actions are essential for ensuring that public servants remain accountable and that institutions managing public records adhere to principles of transparency and due process.

The Beacon Nigeria newspaper will keep tracking the situation and provide updates as more information emerges.