FOI: SERAP, WARDC sue FG over failure to release spending records on maternal death prevention

Joined as Defendants in the suit are the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke and the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu.

The suit followed a Freedom of Information request by the groups dated August 13, 2012 and signed by SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni.

The motion exparte with suit number FHC/IKJ/CS/223/12 was brought pursuant to section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act, and Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2009, and signed on behalf of the groups by SERAP’s Staff Attorney Chinyere Nwafor.

The organizations argued that “under the FOI, they have the right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.”

According to the groups, “The Defendants/Respondents have a binding legal obligation to provide the applicants with the information requested for.

 "The information requested for relates to the details of spending on prevention of maternal deaths for the past five years; and this information does not come within the purview of the types of information exempted from disclosure by the provisions of the FOI Act.

 "Up till the time of filing this action, the Defendants/Respondents have failed, neglected and refused to make available the information requested by the Applicants.