Headlines

NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law Sues Kenny Ogungbe and Culture Minister over NYSC Certificate Violation

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law, led by President Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau OON, SAN, has filed a lawsuit against the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and music promoter Kenny Ogungbe over allegations of violating the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act.

The organisation requests that the court remove Musawa from office and invalidate the certificates issued to both Musawa and Ogungbe, claiming that the issuance of the certificates goes against the provisions of the NYSC Act.

NBA Section on Public Interest and Development Law Sues Kenny Ogungbe and Culture Minister over NYSC Certificate Violation

The plaintiffs argue that Musawa and Ogungbe were unlawfully mobilised for the mandatory national youth service, as they were over 30 years old. They allege that their national service and the certificates issued by the NYSC are null and void.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration that Musawa and Ogungbe are not entitled to be employed by any employer or the Federal Government without possessing their certificates of National Youth Service.

Conservative Legal Group Files Misconduct Complaint Against Federal Judges Over "Oral-Argument Affirmative Action"

They also want a declaration that Musawa should be removed from her position as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any public office, as she allegedly violated the NYSC Act.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria previously accused Musawa in August 2023 of serving as a minister while attending the NYSC scheme, while Ogungbe caused a stir on social media in October 2023 when he shared a photo of himself in the NYSC uniform, stating that he had completed his service at the age of 53.

As at the news briefing, contacting Musawa for comment was unsuccessful.