The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the reported use of teargas by security operatives against peaceful protesters during Democracy Day demonstrations in Abuja, describing the incident as unlawful and a violation of constitutional and international human rights standards.
The organisation also referenced reports that journalist and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore collapsed after being exposed to teargas allegedly fired by security operatives and was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
SERAP said the alleged targeting of peaceful demonstrators and the use of excessive force against individuals exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly were “unacceptable and patently unlawful.”
The group called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to order a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent, and effective investigation into the incident, insisting that those suspected to be responsible must be held accountable under the law.
It further urged authorities to ensure that victims of any rights violations are granted access to justice and effective remedies, including appropriate reparations where violations are established.
According to SERAP, the violent disruption of peaceful assemblies undermines the rule of law and risks discouraging civic participation and accountability in governance.
The organisation stressed that Nigerian authorities have both domestic and international obligations to respect, protect, and facilitate the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, rather than suppress them.
Reiterating that peaceful protest is not a criminal act, SERAP said Democracy Day should reinforce the importance of safeguarding civic freedoms and ensuring citizens can express their views without fear of intimidation, harassment, or violence.
The group also called for guarantees of safety for protesters, journalists, and human rights defenders, urging full compliance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
SERAP noted that under international human rights law, the use of force by law enforcement must be strictly necessary, proportionate, and directed toward legitimate objectives, warning that teargas should only be deployed where there is an imminent risk of harm and after adequate warnings have been issued.
It added that even in situations where protests become disorderly, any use of force must remain lawful and carefully controlled, stressing that lethal force is only permissible where strictly necessary to protect life.
Citing the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, SERAP further emphasized the requirement for prompt reporting and independent investigation of all incidents involving injury or death linked to the use of force.
The organisation concluded that Nigerian authorities must not permit the misuse of teargas or other crowd-control measures in ways that endanger lives or cause serious injury.
