Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”
Sowore arrived at the Maitama office of the NYSC alongside a group of activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who also serves as Raye’s legal counsel. The protest followed Sowore’s announcement on Monday via his X handle, where he vowed to ensure justice for the corps member.
“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” Sowore had posted.
Raye, who recently completed her service year, alleged that the NYSC withheld her certificate in retaliation for her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
However, the NYSC has firmly denied the allegation, insisting that the action was taken for disciplinary reasons. In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency described the social media claims as “entirely unfounded and false,” clarifying that Raye’s certificate was withheld because she failed to attend the mandatory biometric clearance in April 2025.
According to the NYSC, the failure to attend the clearance violated the scheme’s Bye-Laws, resulting in an extension of her service year by two months. The management also stated that Raye’s case was not exceptional, as she was one of 131 corps members subjected to the same penalty.
“Rita is among the 131 Corps Members whose Certificates of National Service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons. Specifically, Rita’s service year has been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometrics clearance, a decision that aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws,” the statement read.
The NYSC stressed that the extension is a standard procedure and applied equally to all corps members in similar circumstances.
As the standoff continues, the protest at NYSC headquarters has drawn attention from rights groups and the public, with Sowore and Effiong insisting that Raye’s case is a matter of justice and accountability, not just internal disciplinary procedures.
