The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to respond to a suit seeking the release of documents relating to his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) service.

Justice Salim Ibrahim issued the directive during a court sitting, ordering the minister to file and serve his response to a counter-affidavit challenging his application to join the suit before the next hearing.

The suit was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of Pathway to Equity and Charity Foundation, which is asking the court to compel the NYSC to release records confirming whether Tunji-Ojo completed the mandatory one-year national service.

The foundation is also seeking an order of mandamus directing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to produce documents showing that the minister served his primary assignment with the agency.

At the hearing, the foundation’s counsel, Solomon Akuma (SAN), informed the court that he was prepared to proceed with the case.

However, counsel to the minister, Abiola Olaniji, told the court that Tunji-Ojo had filed an application to be joined as a party to the suit.

Olaniji argued that the counter-affidavit raised issues requiring a response and requested more time to address them. He added that the minister was willing to participate in the proceedings as an interested party.

Akuma opposed the application, maintaining that the minister was not a necessary party because the documents being sought were not in his custody.

After listening to both parties, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the matter and directed the minister to file his response before the next hearing.

The foundation is seeking several documents from the NYSC, including Tunji-Ojo’s mobilisation and posting letters, evidence of remobilisation approval, allowance records, Community Development Service records and discharge certificate.

It also wants the FCTA to release posting documents, attendance records and other evidence relating to the minister’s alleged service with the agency.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, the foundation’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Uchenna Ejimafor, alleged that its investigations raised questions about whether Tunji-Ojo completed his national service with the FCTA.

The foundation claimed that its requests for the relevant records were unsuccessful, arguing that the Freedom of Information Act required the documents to be provided within seven days of the application.

It is asking the court to compel the respondents to release the records to enable it to verify its findings.

The allegations remain subject to judicial determination. In 2026, the Nigeria Police Force dismissed certificate-forgery allegations against the minister, stating that his NYSC certificate was duly issued and verified following an investigation.