Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reportedly fell unconscious on Friday, June 12, 2026, during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja following the use of teargas by security operatives to disperse demonstrators.
The protest, organised by a coalition of civil society groups as part of nationwide demonstrations over insecurity and economic hardship, turned chaotic when police officers moved in to break up the gathering. Security operatives reportedly fired teargas canisters and shots into the air, forcing protesters to flee.
Eyewitnesses said Sowore collapsed amid heavy teargas smoke before being assisted by fellow protesters and taken away for urgent medical attention. His current condition has not yet been confirmed at the time of this report.
Security presence had earlier been intensified across key locations in Abuja, including Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and access routes to the Three Arms Zone, following warnings from authorities against protests in sensitive areas.
The incident highlights rising tensions surrounding the Democracy Day demonstrations across parts of the country.