Exam ethics loses case to WAEC, to pay N100,000 damages

A Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday dismissed a suit filed by the Exam Ethics Marshals International, against West African Examination Council (WAEC) demanding the names of officials, aiding and abetting examination malpractice.

Exams Ethics, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) had filed the suit relying on the provisions of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

In his judgment, Justice Evoh Chukwu held that the plaintiff failed to prove its case, that by providing such names it would not negatively affect the confidentiality of the examination body.

He said Sections 13 (1) and 14 (1) of the FOI Act empowers public institutions to deny applicants access to certain information that could undermine the confidentiality and security of the nation.

The judge said that the applicant also failed to file further and better affidavits in opposition to the submission of the respondent counsel on this position.He ordered the plaintiff to pay WAEC the sum of N100, 000 as damages.