Withheld NYSC Certificate: SERAP Urges Tinubu to Intervene in Case of Viral Corps Member ‘Raye’

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the case of Ushie Rita Uguamaye, popularly known as “Raye,” a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member whose discharge certificate has been withheld.

Raye, who went viral earlier this year for a TikTok video criticizing Nigeria’s economic hardship under the current administration, claimed she was threatened by NYSC officials and pressured to delete the video. Her situation escalated when, on her passing out day, she was denied her discharge certificate.

In a statement released on Sunday, SERAP urged the president to uphold constitutional rights, particularly the right to freedom of expression.

“Intimidating, harassing, and silencing critical or dissenting voices under the guise of vague and unsubstantiated national security concerns is a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” the group stated.

The NYSC has denied any political motive behind the decision. In a counter statement, NYSC spokesperson Caroline Embu said Raye’s certificate was withheld — along with those of 130 other corps members — for failing to attend the mandatory April biometric clearance.

Embu explained that the two-month service extension was a routine disciplinary measure under NYSC bye-laws, not targeted punishment.

However, Raye disputes this claim. In a viral video on Saturday, she alleged she was deliberately prevented from completing the clearance process. According to her, her Local Government Inspector repeatedly stalled her, eventually confiscated her file, and asked her to leave.

The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from civil society groups and prominent individuals. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and human rights lawyer Femi Falana have publicly criticized the NYSC’s actions.

Activist Omoyele Sowore has also expressed support for Raye, attributing a recent increase in corps members’ allowances to her advocacy. He pledged to fight until she receives justice.