Raye’s discharge certificate row: Sowore leads protest at NYSC HQ

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stormed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Abuja to demand the discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, who is also known as “Raye.”

Sowore had on Tuesday morning visited the office accompanied by several other activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is also serving as Raye’s legal counsel.

On Monday, Sowore had posted a statement on his X handle announcing his plan to secure her discharge certificate. He also vowed to fight for justice for Raye, stating that “the injustice meted to her would not be allowed to stand.”

“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,” he wrote.

Persecondnews recalls that Raye had accused the NYSC of withholding her discharge certificate after criticising the Bola Tinubu government.

However, the NYSC reacted that her certificate was withheld due to her failure to attend the mandatory April 2025 biometric clearance and not because of any critical remarks she made about the federal government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 10, the NYSC management described as “entirely unfounded and false” the claims circulating on social media that the certificate was withheld due to her criticism of the government.

The NYSC stated that Rita is among 131 corps members whose certificates were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons.

According to the NYSC, her service year has specifically been extended by two months for failing to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance — a decision it says aligns with the NYSC Bye-Laws.

It said: “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.

“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.”