Sowore leads protest at NYSC HQ over Raye’s withheld certificate

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has arrived at the National Youth Service Corps headquarters in Abuja to demand the discharge certificate of female corps member, Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye”.

Sowore, on Tuesday morning, was accompanied to the headquarters by some activists including human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who also serves as Raye’s legal representative.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Monday, Sowore had stated that the move was to ensure she receives her discharge certificate.

Sowore vowed to ensure justice for Raye, stating that the injustice meted to her would not be allowed to stand.

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“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the National Youth Service Corps @officialnyscng to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corp Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye “Raye”, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” he wrote.

Recall that Raye had accused NYSC of withholding her discharge certificate after criticising Bola Tinubu government.

However, the NYSC stated that her certificate was withheld due to her failure to attend the mandatory April 2025 biometric clearance and not because of any critical remarks she made about the federal government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the NYSC management described as “entirely unfounded and false” the claims circulating on social media that the certificate was withheld due to her criticism of the government.

The NYSC stated that Rita is among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.

According to the NYSC, her service year has specifically been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance — a decision it says aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.

“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,” it said.

“It is important to note that this extension is a standard procedure and not unique to her case, and the principle of equal treatment was only applied in this case,” it added.