Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a fiery protest to the NYSC headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the withheld discharge certificate of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye.”

Sowore was joined by several other activists, including prominent human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, who is representing Raye legally. The protest follows allegations that the NYSC withheld her certificate in retaliation for her public criticism of the Bola Tinubu-led federal government, a claim the agency has firmly denied.

Addressing journalists outside the NYSC headquarters in Maitama, Sowore said the protest was a stand against what he described as “abuse of power and targeted injustice.”

“We will not allow the rights of any citizen especially young Nigerians serving their country to be trampled upon simply because they exercised their freedom of expression,” he said.

Raye, who completed her mandatory one-year national service in 2025, alleged via social media that her certificate was being withheld due to her vocal opposition to government policies. Her claims gained widespread attention online, drawing support from activists and civil society groups.

However, the NYSC, in a statement issued on Sunday, insisted that her certificate was withheld for disciplinary reasons. According to the management, Raye failed to attend a mandatory biometric clearance in April 2025, a violation of NYSC regulations.

“Rita is among the 131 corps members whose certificates of national service were withheld for valid disciplinary reasons,” the statement read. “Specifically, her service year was extended by two months in line with the NYSC Bye-Laws.”

The agency further clarified that the sanction was a routine administrative action, not politically motivated, and was applied equally to all affected corps members.

Despite the explanation, critics argue that the timing and handling of Raye’s case raise concerns about transparency and fairness in the NYSC’s disciplinary process. Effiong, speaking to reporters during the protest, insisted that his client had not been given due process and vowed to pursue legal action if necessary.

“This is about more than just a certificate it’s about protecting the rights of every young Nigerian subjected to arbitrary decisions by public institutions,” he said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the NYSC had not issued any further comment regarding the protest or whether the agency would reconsider its decision.