Sowore storms NYSC Headquarters over withheld certificate, confronts officials

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, to demand the release of a discharge certificate for female corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”

Sowore was joined by other activists, including human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is also Raye’s legal representative.

The protest followed his earlier announcement on social media, where he vowed to ensure justice for the corps member, insisting she had fulfilled all requirements of the one-year mandatory national service.

“By 9am tomorrow, we will resume at the NYSC HQ to receive the Discharge Certificate of Corps Member Ushie Rita Uguamaye ‘Raye’, who has successfully concluded her compulsory service,” Sowore had posted on Monday via his X handle.

Raye had accused the NYSC of withholding her certificate in retaliation for her criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

However, the NYSC denied the allegation, insisting that her case had nothing to do with her political comments.

In a statement on Sunday, the agency explained that her certificate was withheld because she failed to attend the April 2025 biometric clearance, an infraction that, under the NYSC Bye-Laws, warranted a two-month extension of her service year.

According to the management, Raye is one of 131 corps members facing similar disciplinary action for valid reasons.

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