Activist Omoyele Sowore was among demonstrators affected by teargas during a June 12 protest in Abuja, according to reports and video circulating online.

The rally was part of nationwide #EndBadGovernance demonstrations led by civil society groups, trade unions, and activists including Femi Falana. Organisers said the action was to highlight worsening insecurity, inflation, and living conditions.

Eyewitnesses said tension rose when law enforcement officers fired teargas canisters to disperse the crowd near the protest ground. Multiple participants were seen coughing, gasping for air, and scattering. In footage shared online, Sowore was shown on the ground receiving help from others before regaining his footing. He later described the police action as excessive force against peaceful assembly.

Rights groups noted that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly once police are notified. June 12, tied to Nigeria’s 1993 election struggle, has become a recurring date for protests demanding accountability and reforms.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, Eyewitness video, Vanguard, Punch