Human rights campaigner Omoyele Sowore on Wednesday mobilized activists in a demonstration at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) headquarters, demanding the immediate release of corps member Ushie Rita Uguamaye’s discharge certificate after her service was allegedly extended without justification.
The protest erupted following claims of political persecution and administrative misconduct by NYSC officials in Lagos State. Sowore, addressing demonstrators, accused the scheme of weaponizing its authority against Uguamaye, who had completed her national service requirements.
“Withholding a corps member’s certificate for political reasons is unacceptable,” Sowore declared. “The NYSC must stop being an instrument of oppression and release Uguamaye’s certificate immediately.”
Legal representatives from Inibehe Effiong Chambers presented a formal petition detailing how Uguamaye (State Code: LA/24B/8325) was allegedly targeted by Lagos NYSC officials after criticizing federal government policies.
The August 11, 2025 petition accused Local Government Inspector Veronica Abela of deliberately sabotaging Uguamaye’s April 2025 biometric clearance – a critical requirement for certificate issuance.
“Our client presented herself for clearance on April 7 but was intentionally denied screening,” the document stated. It further alleged that Lagos State NYSC Coordinator Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa had previously threatened Uguamaye with service extension over her political views.
“The unilateral extension violates Section 36 of the Constitution guaranteeing fair hearing,” the lawyers argued, demanding Uguamaye’s immediate certification and disciplinary action against involved officials.
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Inibehe Effiong warned of impending legal action: “Failure to resolve this within 48 hours will compel us to seek judicial intervention and escalate matters to the Presidency.”
NYSC Director-General Brig-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu was unavailable during the protest, but staff received the petition. The scheme has yet to issue an official response.
The incident has re-ignited debates about NYSC’s neutrality, with #FreeUshiesCertificate now trending nationally as youth groups threaten wider demonstrations if the matter remains unresolved.
