Abuja Protest Dispersed by Police Using Teargas

On June 12, 2023, a protest in Abuja led by activist Hassan Sowore was disrupted when police deployed teargas to disperse the crowd. The demonstration was part of a nationwide action organized by a coalition of civil society organizations, labor activists, and youth groups to draw attention to rising economic hardship and worsening living conditions across Nigeria.

The protest was announced in a joint statement signed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and Yinka Folarin from the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. Video footage shared on social media showed Sowore on the ground as the police began firing teargas, causing chaos among the protesters.

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the situation escalated quickly, with many scrambling for safety. Sowore was seen being assisted by a vehicle while covering his nose with a red handkerchief.

The police continued their efforts to disperse the gathering as the protest unfolded.