Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a protest at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
He demanded the immediate release of the discharge certificate for Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” a female corps member.
Sowore was joined by activists and human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who also represents Raye legally.
Sowore announced the planned protest in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, vowing to secure justice for Raye.
He declared, “By 9am tomorrow, we will be at the Maitama Abuja HQ of the NYSC to receive the discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service.”
Raye shared her ordeal in a recent X Space session organized by Sowore.
She revealed that an NYSC official, Veronica, blocked her biometric clearance at the LGI center in April 2025 despite Raye providing all necessary documents, including a clearance letter from her primary assignment.
Veronica allegedly refused to let her complete the biometric exercise and instructed her to leave the office.
Furthermore, Raye claimed that when NYSC summoned her over the biometric issue, they ignored her explanation.
“When the jury called me, they did not listen or want to hear my side,” she said.
Raye expressed deep disappointment over the lack of fair treatment.
NYSC previously stated that it withheld Raye’s Certificate of National Service due to her failure to attend the mandatory biometric exercise in April 2025.
The NYSC rejected claims that the certificate was withheld because of Raye’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In fact, NYSC included Raye among 131 corps members penalized for valid disciplinary reasons, extending her service year by two months as per NYSC Bye-Laws.
Despite this, Sowore insists that Raye’s case is unjust.
He vowed not to let the injustice stand and promised to fight for her rights.
Raye’s struggle highlights broader concerns about fairness and due process within NYSC disciplinary actions.
Many observers question the NYSC’s handling of biometric clearance disputes and call for transparency.
As Sowore and his team demand Raye’s discharge certificate, activists hope this pressure will prompt the NYSC to review its processes and ensure fair treatment for all corps members.