Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar have criticised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for withholding the certificate of corps member Ushie Uguamaye, popularly known as Raye, over a disputed service extension.
The NYSC said Raye’s service year was extended by two months for allegedly missing her April 2025 biometric clearance.
In a statement posted on X, the scheme insisted the disciplinary action was in line with its bye-laws and unrelated to her political views.
However, Raye’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, rejected the claim, alleging that she attended the April clearance but was deliberately denied access by NYSC officials in Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Lagos. Effiong accused the scheme of targeting Raye because of her public criticism of the federal government’s handling of the economy.
Femi Falana described NYSC’s action as “overzealousness” that undermines freedom of expression. He called for an immediate reversal of the decision and the release of Raye’s certificate.
Atiku Abubakar also weighed in, labelling the move “impunity” and warning that such practices could suppress dissenting voices. “Our democracy cannot thrive if citizens are punished for speaking truth to power,” he said.
Raye gained national attention in March after lamenting the rising cost of living and accusing the government of worsening Nigeria’s economic conditions.
Effiong has given the NYSC a formal notice to reverse its decision or face legal action. He also stated his intention to escalate the matter to the presidency in line with Section 20 of the NYSC Act if no satisfactory response is received.
