VIDEO: Sowore falls during Abuja protest as security operatives fire teargas

Activist and African Action Congress 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, reportedly fell on Friday during a Democracy Day protest in Abuja after security operatives allegedly fired teargas at demonstrators in front of the Force Headquarters. The protest formed part of a nationwide mobilisation declared by a coalition of civic groups, labour activists, youth organisations and social movements, which designated June 12 as a day of mass action over worsening insecurity, rising economic hardship and deteriorating living conditions in the country. The coalition’s declaration was contained in a statement jointly signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Committee for the Defence of Human Rights President, Yinka Folarin, #EndBadGovernance Movement organiser, Hassan Soweto, and Falz. The demonstration in Abuja reportedly turned chaotic after teargas was deployed to disperse protesters, with videos shared online showing Sowore on the ground amid confusion as others attempted to assist him. According to footage circulated by ChuksEricE on X, Sowore was seen lying on the ground surrounded by protesters who tried to revive him by fanning him with placards. “Them don start. Police are already shooting. Sowore don faint ohh. Nigeria police,” some protesters were heard shouting during the commotion. As the situation escalated, Sowore was eventually helped into a vehicle while attempting to recover, covering his nose with a red handkerchief as others fanned him. A woman was heard saying, “They are still shooting more tear gas.” Related News June 12: Saraki warns against weak legislature, says democracy needs strong institutions Amnesty slams Abuja protest crackdown, says Sowore hospitalised Action Alliance presidential candidate urges end to banditry Some time after they had entered the vehicle and begun driving off, the presidential candidate was asked if he was stable, to which he responded, “Yeah.” Eyewitness videos also showed protesters struggling to move amid heavy disorganisation as security operatives continued dispersing the crowd with teargas. The condition of Sowore at the time of filing this report remains unknown, with no official statement yet from security agencies on the incident. 𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐒𝐨𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐛𝐮𝐣𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐬 Credit: X | ChuksEricE pic.twitter.com/3DVt7ugau2 — Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) June 12, 2026 Christabel Ndoeche

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