Prominent human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has threatened legal action against the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), accusing the agency of “persecution” following its decision to extend the service year of Lagos-based corps member Ushie Uguamaye, also known as Raye.
Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Effiong stated that he would formally write to the NYSC Director-General within hours to demand an explanation for the move, which he described as unjust and politically motivated.
“If they don’t give us a favourable answer, by virtue of Section 20 of the NYSC Act, I’ll write to the President and Commander-in-Chief. The law says if we are not satisfied, we should write to the President before initiating legal action,” Effiong said.
According to him, the NYSC has yet to formally communicate any reason to Raye regarding the extension of her service year. He expressed dismay over the timing of the decision, which came just days before her scheduled passing-out ceremony.
“We want to give them an opportunity to redeem themselves,” Effiong added. “The DG has an obligation to ensure that the image of the scheme is not tarnished. Why wait until she was about to pass out before giving her this reason? It’s an embarrassment and an aberration. What offence has she committed?”
Effiong alleged that the move was politically motivated, intended to punish Raye for her outspoken criticism of the government.
“I believe some individuals have a vested interest in silencing her. What they are trying to do through Raye is suppress dissent. Let Nigerians not be deceived—this has nothing to do with monthly clearance,” he said.
Raye’s case has sparked national attention after she publicly criticised the rising cost of living and economic hardship in a viral video earlier this year. Her remarks, made in March, accused the current administration of worsening the country’s economic situation.
In response, the NYSC released a statement via X on Sunday, saying that Raye’s service year was extended by two months due to her alleged failure to attend biometric clearance in April 2025, in line with its bye-laws. The agency insisted the extension was purely procedural and not politically driven.
However, Effiong countered that Raye was present for the April clearance but was deliberately denied access by NYSC officials in the Eti-Osa Local Government Area.
Support for Raye has continued to grow, with senior human rights lawyer Femi Falana and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar both condemning the NYSC’s action. Falana described it as an act of “overzealousness,” while Atiku labelled it “impunity,” warning that such actions threaten free expression and constitutional rights.
