Sowore Leads Protest at NYSC Headquarters Over Withheld Corps Member’s Certificate

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday led a protest at the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of the discharge certificate of Ms Ushie Rita Uguamaye, whose service year was allegedly extended without justification.

The demonstration followed allegations of political victimisation and abuse of office by NYSC officials, a development that has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates and legal practitioners.

Addressing the protesters, Sowore accused the NYSC of being used as a tool for political retribution, insisting that Ms Uguamaye had completed her mandatory national service and was entitled to her certificate without delay.

Lawyers from Inibehe Effiong Chambers, who joined the protest, delivered a formal petition to the NYSC Director-General. The letter, dated August 11, 2025, detailed claims that Ms Uguamaye, with State Code Number LA/24B/8325, was unjustly punished for criticising government policies.

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According to the petition, a Local Government Inspector, Ms Veronica Abela, allegedly refused to process the corps member’s biometric clearance in April 2025, seizing her file in what was described as “deliberate and targeted victimisation.” The firm further alleged that the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator threatened her with a service year extension following her criticism of the Tinubu administration.

“Our client duly presented herself for the April 2025 biometric monthly clearance on April 7, 2025. However, her local government inspector refused to screen her. This act, coupled with the subsequent extension of her service year, amounts to a denial of her constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended),” the petition stated.

The legal team stressed that the NYSC, as a statutory body, is meant to remain neutral and non-partisan, warning that if the matter is not resolved promptly, they will escalate it to the Presidency and pursue legal action.

Despite the protest, the NYSC Director-General was unavailable to meet with the group, as he was reportedly on official assignment.