Amnesty International has strongly criticised the handling of a Democracy Day protest in Abuja, describing it as a violent suppression of peaceful demonstrators, during which activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore reportedly collapsed after security operatives allegedly fired tear gas.
In a statement issued on Friday, the rights group said Sowore was taken to hospital following the incident at Unity Fountain, Abuja, and demanded an independent investigation into what it called his targeted attack.
The organisation accused Nigerian authorities of using excessive force against citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest, stressing that such actions undermine freedom of expression and assembly.
It further argued that the alleged treatment of demonstrators violates both national and international human rights standards, warning that the repeated clampdown on civic actions signals a growing disregard for the rule of law.
According to Amnesty International, security operatives dispersed protesters near the Force Headquarters using tear gas during a nationwide mobilisation organised by civic groups, labour unions, youth movements, and other activists demanding action on insecurity, economic hardship, and poor living conditions.
Eyewitness videos circulating online showed Sowore lying on the ground as protesters attempted to assist him amid confusion.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as a continuing pattern of restrictions on civic freedoms under the current administration, urging authorities to uphold constitutional rights and ensure accountability for any misconduct during the protest response.