The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service year of Ms. Rita Ushie, popularly known as Raye on Instagram, by two months in what appears to be a punitive response to her viral criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Raye, who had just one month remaining in her mandatory national service, came into national spotlight in March after posting a video on social media decrying Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis and rising insecurity. She also alleged that NYSC officials had pressured her to take down the video.
The video sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians and civil rights groups condemning the NYSC’s actions and accusing the agency of infringing on her right to freedom of expression.
Following the post, Raye was summoned by the NYSC Local Government Inspector to the Eti-Osa Local Government office in Lagos. However, when she appeared alongside human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and her legal team, the official who issued the summons was reportedly absent.
The matter simmered quietly until June 18, when Raye was again summoned—this time to appear before a disciplinary panel at the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. Despite enduring delays and a lack of formal communication, she eventually appeared before the panel and was informed that her service year had been extended by two months.
Jonathan Ugbal, South-South Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, who has remained in close contact with Raye’s family, confirmed the development to CrossRiverWatch.
“Upon her arrival at Iyana Ipaja last Wednesday, without receiving any official letter, she was simply told to meet the Local Government Instructor, who asked her to return this week,” Ugbal said. “She made the trip again at her own expense, and eventually faced a panel where she apologised to staff members who were reportedly upset by public criticism over the incident.”
Ugbal added that Raye’s mother later contacted him, distraught, to reveal that her daughter had called in tears after being notified of the extension.
“I reached out to her, but she’s currently too upset to talk,” he said.
The development has reignited concerns over the politicisation of public institutions and the shrinking space for free expression, especially among young Nigerians. Many have taken to social media to criticise the NYSC’s decision, viewing it as retribution against a citizen for expressing dissent.
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