Justice for Raye’: Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters Over Withheld Certificate

Omoyele Sowore led a protest at the NYSC headquarters demanding the release of corps member Raye’s discharge certificate, which she claims is being withheld over her political views, while the NYSC insists it’s due to a missed biometric clearance.

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 immediate release of a discharge certificate for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, also known as Raye.

Joined by other activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong—who also represents Raye—Sowore staged the demonstration after vowing on social media to ensure justice for the corps member. He asserted that Raye had completed all required service obligations and was being unfairly punished for speaking out against the current administration.

“By 9 am tomorrow, we will resume at the NYSC HQ to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’,” Sowore announced Monday via X (formerly Twitter).

Raye alleges that her certificate was withheld in retaliation for her criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government.

However, NYSC denied any political motive, stating in a Sunday release that Raye missed her biometric clearance in April 2025, which, per NYSC Bye-Laws, requires a two-month service extension. The agency emphasized that she is one of 131 corps members facing similar disciplinary measures.

READ ALSO: NYSC Denies Service Extension For Corper Who Criticised Tinubu

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GISTREEL