Sowore Leads NYSC HQ Protest Over Withheld Discharge Certificate for “Raye”

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore on Tuesday led a protest to the NYSC headquarters in Abuja to demand the release of the discharge certificate for corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye (“Raye”). He was joined by activists including Inibehe Effiong, Raye’s lawyer.

Sowore, who announced the action on X, said the goal was to ensure Raye receives her certificate after completing service. Raye had alleged the NYSC withheld it because she criticised the Tinubu administration.

The NYSC denies the claim, saying Raye missed the mandatory April 2025 biometric clearance, resulting in a two-month service extension under NYSC Bye-Laws. The scheme added she is one of 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for disciplinary reasons, stressing the measure is standard and not targeted.

In response, Sowore vowed to pursue “justice” for Raye and insisted the decision would be challenged.