Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a protest on Tuesday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of a discharge certificate for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye.
Sowore was accompanied by a group of activists, including Raye’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, a prominent human rights attorney.
The protest came after Sowore vowed on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to ensure Raye receives her certificate, asserting that she had fulfilled all service requirements.
“By 9 a.m. tomorrow, we will be at the NYSC HQ in Maitama, Abuja, to collect Raye’s discharge certificate,” he posted on Monday.
Raye has accused the NYSC of withholding her certificate in retaliation for her public criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In response, the NYSC issued a statement on Sunday denying political motivations. The agency explained that Raye’s discharge certificate was withheld because she failed to attend mandatory biometric clearance in April 2025 a requirement under NYSC regulations.
As a result, her service year was extended by two months, in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws.
“The extension is standard procedure and not targeted. A total of 131 corps members were subjected to similar disciplinary actions,” the NYSC stated.
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