The Nigerian Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a former student turned farmer, marking a significant and controversial legal decision.
Jackson, now in his early 30s, has maintained that he acted in self-defense after being violently attacked on his farm in Kodum Forest, located in the Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Jackson’s legal troubles began in 2021 when he was convicted of murder by a Yola court and sentenced to death by hanging.
His case revolves around an altercation with a Fulani herdsman, Buba Bauru, who allegedly strayed onto Jackson’s farm with his cattle.
According to Jackson, Bauru initiated the conflict by attacking him with a knife, stabbing him multiple times. In the ensuing struggle, Jackson managed to wrestle the weapon from his assailant and stabbed him in the neck, resulting in Bauru’s death.
Despite arguing that his actions were in self-defense, Jackson was convicted and sentenced to death. His defense team has highlighted several alleged procedural flaws in the trial, including a 167-day gap between the close of arguments and the judgment, violating Nigeria’s constitutional 90-day limit.
However, the Supreme Court dismissed these concerns, upholding the lower court’s decision in a brief session that lasted only two minutes.
Human Rights Concerns and Legal Precedents
The ruling has sparked outrage among human rights advocates. U.S.-based human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogbe, a member of Jackson’s defense team, expressed deep disappointment with the verdict.
“This is a sad day for Nigerians and their right to self-defense,” Ogbe stated during an interview with Arise News. “The system has failed Jackson at every level.”
Dr. William Terrence Delin, an American human rights leader supporting Jackson, echoed these sentiments during the Arise News interview. “Sunday Jackson is totally innocent. He was attacked while farming, defended himself, and now faces execution. This has severe international human rights implications.”
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of violence involving Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria. Reports indicate that thousands of people, particularly Christian farmers, have been killed in such conflicts.
Critics argue that the justice system disproportionately punishes those who defend themselves, while perpetrators often escape accountability.
Appeal for Clemency
With all legal avenues exhausted, Jackson’s only hope now rests with the Governor of Adamawa State, who has the power to grant clemency. His defense team and human rights activists are mobilizing efforts to appeal directly to the governor and raise international awareness.
“We are launching an urgent campaign to secure clemency,” said Delin. “We call on political leaders, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens to stand with Jackson and prevent this miscarriage of justice.”
