Chronicles Reporters News Limited has approached the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, seeking a court order to compel the Gwagwalada Area Council to release key public records allegedly withheld in violation of Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.
Court documents seen by PurpleWorld Media show that the media organisation filed a Motion Ex Parte on 5 January 2026, asking the court for permission to apply for an Order of Mandamus. The order, if granted, would legally compel the Gwagwalada Area Council and its Executive Chairman to disclose public records requested by the organisation.
The application was filed pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and the High Court of the FCT Civil Procedure Rules.
According to the court filings, Chronicles Reporters is requesting access to the following documents covering 2021 to 2024: Financial records and accounts, Procurement and contracting documents, Human resource and administrative records, and
Public service delivery reports of the Council.
The organisation stated that these documents are necessary for public-interest reporting and accountability at the local government level.
In an affidavit sworn before the court, Manasseh Bem Paul, an Investigative Correspondent with Chronicles Reporters, explained that the organisation first submitted a formal FOI request to the Gwagwalada Area Council on 6 October 2025.
He said the Council replied on 22 October 2025, asking for more time to provide the documents. However, no records were released.
Following this delay, the organisation’s lawyers issued a Pre-Action Notice dated 25 November 2025. The Council again responded on 2 December 2025, stating that the requested documents were still with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and had not been returned to the Council. Despite these responses, findings revealed that the documents were never released.
In the affidavit supporting the application, Mr. Paul described the Council’s actions as unlawful.
“Despite repeated requests, all efforts to access these public documents have been abortive,” he stated.
“The failure, refusal and neglect of the Respondents to give access to the requested information is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal.” He added that under the FOI Act, public institutions are required to either release requested information within seven days or formally explain the legal reasons for refusal, which the Council allegedly failed to do.
The application relies on several judicial authorities and sections of the FOI Act that empower citizens and organisations to seek court intervention when public institutions refuse to disclose information.
The motion argues that an Order of Mandamus is appropriate where a public body fails to perform a statutory duty, including compliance with FOI requests.
Quoting past court decisions, the applicant noted that: “The Freedom of Information Act, 2011 was enacted to make information freely available to any member of the public and gives the right to commence proceedings to compel compliance by any unwilling custodian.”
Chronicles Reporters said the requested records are central to its ongoing investigations into financial management, procurement practices, and public service delivery at the grassroots level.
“By refusing access, the Council is obstructing not only the press but the democratic rights of citizens to know how public funds are managed,” Mr. Paul said.
The High Court of the FCT is yet to fix a hearing date for the motion. If the court grants the application, the case will proceed to a full judicial review to determine whether the Council should be compelled to release the documents.