JUST IN: Nigerian Court Grants Leave to Hear NYSC Certificate Forgery Suit Against Minister of Interior, Adjourns to December 11

The Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has given approval to hear a case challenging the appointment of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The case, brought forward by applicant Oladotun Hassan, alleges forgery of the minister’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

Justice Emeka Nwite granted leave to proceed with the case. The suit, numbered FHC/ABJ/C5/1155/2023, involves six respondents, with the Minister of Interior as the primary respondent and the President of Nigeria as the second.

The court has scheduled the hearing for the 11th of December, 2023. The applicant seeks several declarations, including the nullification of the purported NYSC certificate and a declaration that the minister’s screening and confirmation were unlawful.

Justice Nwite issued various orders, granting the applicant leave to apply for judicial review and an order of prohibition against recognizing the minister’s appointment. The court also directed the respondents to present findings for review and declared the minister’s NYSC certificate null and void.

Additionally, the court declared the screening and confirmation of the minister as unlawful, citing violations of constitutional provisions. Orders were made to void the minister’s discharged certificate and set aside the proposed swearing-in.

The court concluded by issuing an injunction, restraining the respondents from recognizing or giving effect to the minister’s appointment pending the substantive matter’s determination. The case is set to resume on the 11th of December, 2023, in Abuja.