Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a peaceful protest to the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Maitama, Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye.
Sowore was joined by other activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is also representing Raye legally.
The protest follows NYSC’s decision to withhold Raye’s certificate after she completed her mandatory one-year national service.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, Sowore announced the protest and his commitment to securing 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 Corp Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” Sowore wrote.
He further vowed to ensure that the alleged injustice against her is addressed.
“The injustice meted to her would not be allowed to stand,” he said.
The controversy began after Raye claimed that the NYSC withheld her discharge certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on social media.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the NYSC denied any political motivation behind the decision, describing the allegations as false.
“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 agency explained.
The NYSC emphasized that the measure taken against Raye was not unique, but part of routine disciplinary procedures applied uniformly.
“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,” the statement added.
