Omoyele Sowore, the activist and former presidential candidate, was taken to a hospital on Thursday after police moved to disperse demonstrators participating in a Democracy Day protest in Nigeria’s capital, according to witnesses and supporters at the scene.
The protest, held at Abuja’s Unity Fountain, drew activists and civil society groups who gathered to voice concerns over worsening economic conditions, insecurity and governance issues facing the country.
Witnesses said police officers deployed tear gas as authorities attempted to break up the gathering, sending protesters fleeing from the area.
Amid the confusion, Sowore appeared to be affected by the tear gas and subsequently collapsed, according to individuals present during the incident.
Supporters quickly surrounded the activist and transported him away from the protest venue.
People close to Sowore said he regained consciousness while being moved from the scene and was later taken to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment.
Authorities had not immediately issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Videos circulating on social media showed tense scenes at the protest as demonstrators scrambled for safety after clouds of tear gas spread across the gathering.
The confrontation added to tensions during events marking Democracy Day, an annual national observance commemorating Nigeria’s return to democratic rule and the legacy of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Protest organisers said participants had assembled peacefully to draw attention to rising living costs, security challenges and broader concerns about governance.
Human rights advocates have frequently criticised the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, while security agencies maintain that public order must be preserved during large gatherings.
As of Thursday evening, there was no immediate update on Sowore’s medical condition beyond reports from associates that he was receiving treatment.
