Omoyele Sowore falls unconscious after Policemen fire teargas at June 12 Protesters in Abuja

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reportedly fell unconscious on Friday, June 12, 2026, during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives fired teargas to disperse demonstrators.

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The rally, which was part of a nationwide mass action organized by a coalition of civil society organizations against worsening economic hardship and insecurity, turned chaotic when police arrived at the scene. Operatives deployed canisters of teargas and fired shots into the air to force the crowd to scatter.

Eyewitnesses reported that Sowore collapsed amid the thick fumes of teargas. He was quickly gathered by fellow demonstrators and rushed out of the crowd in a vehicle for emergency medical attention.

The police operation followed warnings from the Federal Capital Territory Command against demonstrations targeting sensitive government locations. Security forces had already barricaded key areas, including Unity Fountain, Eagle Square, and access roads leading to the Three Arms Zone early on Friday morning.

The situation surrounding Sowore’s health condition remains unknown at the time of this report.