US Court approves Atiku’s request, asks Chicago University to disclose Tinubu’s academic records

A court in Chicago, United States, has instructed Chicago State University (CSU) to provide all documents pertaining to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s enrollment at the university to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar within 48 hours.

This ruling came on Tuesday following a request by Atiku, who sought the documents to substantiate that Tinubu was not qualified to run for the presidential election at the time he did.

The court determined that the former vice president had effectively demonstrated the purpose for requesting the records.

In the February 25 presidential election, Atiku contested against Tinubu under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform.

Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Gilbert of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division, who issued the ruling, also mandated the deposition of specified university officials within two days after the records are provided.

The judge highlighted that this process could take place during the weekend if necessary.

“In light of the above, Atiku Abubakar’s application pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1782 for an order directing discovery from Chicago State University for use in a foreign proceeding [ECF No. 1] is granted,” stated Mr. Gilbert.

“Respondent CSU shall produce all relevant and non-privileged documents in response to requests for production Nos. 1 through 4 (as narrowed by the court) in applicant subpoena within two days of the entry of this memorandum opinion and order.”

“The deposition of respondent’s corporate designee shall proceed within two days of the production of documents,” the court concluded.