The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the death sentence of Adamawa farmer Sunday Jackson, who was convicted of murder after killing a Fulani herdsman in what many believe was an act of self-defense. The ruling has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate over the fairness of Nigeria’s justice system.
The incident occurred when Jackson, tending to his farm, was attacked by the herdsman wielding a knife. During the struggle, Jackson sustained injuries to his legs but managed to overpower his assailant, seize the knife, and fatally stab the attacker. Despite the weapon belonging to the herdsman, the court ruled that Jackson should have fled instead of using it against his attacker.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold his conviction and sentence him to death by hanging has drawn sharp criticism. Legal experts and human rights advocates argue that the ruling disregards the immediate threat Jackson faced.
This is clearly a miscarriage of justice, a commentator on Arise Prime Time stated. A man should not be sentenced to death for defending himself.
Supporters of Jackson have launched an urgent campaign, calling on Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to grant clemency. They urge human rights groups and concerned citizens to rally for justice before it is too late.
The case has reignited discussions on self-defense laws in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where farmer-herdsmen conflicts are frequent. Many see Jackson’s conviction as part of a troubling trend where victims of violence are punished while their attackers go free.
With time running out, all eyes are now on Governor Fintiri. Will he intervene and grant Jackson a pardon, or will the Supreme Court’s ruling stand? For now, the call for mercy grows louder, but Jackson’s fate remains uncertain.
