Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters’ Demanding Release of Raye’s Certificate

• The protest came after Sowore announced on social media his commitment to securing justice for Raye, emphasizing that she had completed all requirements of the mandatory one-year national service.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a protest on Tuesday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the release of the discharge certificate for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, known as “Raye,” a female corps member.

Joining Sowore was human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who also represents Raye legally.

The protest came after Sowore announced on social media his commitment to securing justice for Raye, emphasizing that she had completed all requirements of the mandatory one-year national service.

“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the NYSC HQ to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” Sowore wrote on Monday via his X handle.

Raye alleges that the NYSC withheld her certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but the NYSC denied this, stating the issue was unrelated to her political views.

In a Sunday statement, the agency clarified that her certificate was withheld because she missed the April 2025 biometric clearance, which, according to NYSC Bye-Laws, requires a two-month extension of the service year.

The NYSC further noted that Raye is among 131 corps members facing similar disciplinary actions for valid infractions.