Human rights organisations Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International have condemned the reported use of teargas against peaceful protesters during the June 12 Democracy Day demonstration in Abuja, calling for an independent investigation into the incident involving activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
According to both organisations, Sowore reportedly collapsed and was taken to hospital after being exposed to teargas allegedly fired by security operatives during the protest at Unity Fountain.
In a statement, SERAP described the reported targeting of peaceful demonstrators and the use of force against citizens exercising their constitutional rights as “unacceptable and patently unlawful”.
The organisation urged the administration of President Bola Tinubu to launch a prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability for anyone found responsible.
SERAP also called for access to justice and effective remedies for protesters whose rights may have been violated, including compensation where appropriate.
“The violent disruption of peaceful assemblies undermines the rule of law and sends a chilling message to citizens seeking to participate in public affairs and hold authorities accountable,” the organisation said.
The rights group stressed that peaceful protest is not a crime and argued that Democracy Day should reinforce the importance of protecting freedom of expression and assembly.
Amnesty International also condemned what it described as a reckless attack on peaceful protesters, saying the reported collapse of Sowore following the confrontation with security operatives was deeply concerning.
The organisation said the alleged targeting of the activist must be investigated, arguing that any action against individuals solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly would be unlawful.
“The deliberate targeting of Sowore must be investigated. Such targeting of activists solely for exercising freedom of assembly is unlawful and shows utter disregard for the rule of law,” Amnesty International said.
The group further accused Nigerian authorities of using violence to suppress fundamental freedoms, including the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Both organisations cited Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, urging authorities to ensure the safety of protesters, journalists and human rights defenders.
The statements followed reports from the Democracy Day protest in Abuja, where activists gathered to demonstrate against insecurity, economic hardship and governance concerns.
