Federal High Court
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction, restraining the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from disowning the certificate of service presented by Enugu State Governor-elect, Mr. Peter Mbah.
The court ruling, delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo, also directed that the restraining order be served on the NYSC’s Director of Corps Certification, Mr. Ibrahim Muhammad.
The court’s decision comes in response to an ex-parte application filed by Peter Mbah, who had been accused of submitting a forged NYSC certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In the application presented by his legal team led by Mr. Emeka Ozoani, SAN, Mbah asserted that he had received a valid certificate of service, numbered A. 808297, on January 6, 2003, upon completing his NYSC.
Mbah explained that after graduating from the University of East London in 2000 and returning to Nigeria to practice law, he was required to undergo the one-year NYSC program as a prerequisite for becoming a lawyer.
Peter Mbah
He stated that he initially served at the Nigerian Ports Authority Apapa Quays but was later posted to the law firm of Ude & Associates after being rejected by NPA. Mbah further detailed that he had applied for a deferment of his NYSC to complete the Bar final exam and was subsequently remobilized to complete the program.
During the court proceedings, Mbah alleged that his reputation was being tarnished through an attempt by the NYSC to disown his certificate. He argued that he had the legal right to protect himself in the application and subsequent lawsuit, which raised significant legal and factual issues.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, after hearing the plaintiff’s counsel, granted the first relief sought in the ex-parte application.
The court issued an order of interim injunction restraining the NYSC and its Director, Corps Certification, from issuing or publishing any disclaimer regarding Mbah’s NYSC certificate pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an interlocutory injunction.
The court further instructed that the court processes be served on the defendants within two days, while proceedings on the matter were adjourned until May 22.
The ruling provides temporary relief for Peter Mbah as he seeks to defend the authenticity of his NYSC certificate and protect his reputation as Enugu State’s Governor-elect.
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