Sunday Jackson: Christian Farmer Sentenced to Death for Killing Fulani Herdsman in Self-Defence Released After U.S. Pressure

Adamawa State, Nigeria – Sunday Jackson, a Christian farmer who spent nearly 11 years on death row for killing an armed Islamic radical Fulani herdsman in self-defence, has been granted a state pardon by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Ejes Gist News reports that Jackson’s release, announced on December 23, 2025, is part of the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy and aligns with a broader Christmas and New Year clemency exercise.

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Jackson’s pardon effectively concludes one of Nigeria’s most debated criminal cases in recent history, which had attracted significant attention from human rights organizations, religious groups, and civil society activists both within Nigeria and internationally.

A Case That Polarized the Nation

Jackson was convicted and sentenced to death following a legal battle that reached the Supreme Court, which upheld his conviction for the killing of a Fulani herdsman who allegedly attacked him on his farm in Adamawa State. Supporters of Jackson consistently maintained that the incident occurred in self-defence, asserting that the herdsman, armed during the confrontation, posed an immediate threat to Jackson’s life.

The case became emblematic of the longstanding farmer–herder conflict affecting many regions in Nigeria. Critics argued that Jackson’s conviction highlighted systemic gaps in the criminal justice system, particularly in protecting rural farmers from violent attacks with minimal intervention from security agencies.

Religious leaders and Christian organizations framed the case as a miscarriage of justice, pointing to perceived biases against Christian communities in conflict-prone areas. Human rights groups repeatedly advocated for clemency, emphasizing that Jackson’s actions met both legal and moral thresholds for self-defence.

Clemency Following Years of Advocacy

Governor Fintiri’s pardon followed recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, a statutory body tasked with reviewing cases for possible pardon or sentence commutation. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, confirmed the decision, stating that it was reached after thorough consideration of the facts and Jackson’s conduct during imprisonment.

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In addition to Jackson, the governor granted clemency to two other inmates and commuted the sentences of five others, citing evidence of rehabilitation and good behavior. According to the state government, the clemency exercise was intended to “promote justice tempered with mercy,” particularly during the festive period.

“The governor acted within the powers granted to him by the Constitution,” Wonosikou said. “This decision reflects compassion, fairness, and a commitment to correcting outcomes that may no longer serve the interest of justice.”

International Spotlight and Heightened Pressure

Jackson’s case received renewed global attention in recent weeks amid international concerns, including reported statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria. While the Adamawa State Government did not explicitly link the pardon to foreign pressure, human rights activists noted that international scrutiny likely reinforced calls for Jackson’s release.

Civil society advocates argue that the combination of local campaigns and international attention created a climate in which authorities could no longer ignore public consensus on Jackson’s situation.

“This is a victory for justice, not just for Sunday Jackson, but for countless farmers living in fear and feeling abandoned by the system,” said one campaigner involved in the advocacy effort. “It demonstrates that persistent advocacy and public engagement can drive meaningful change.”

Reactions and Ongoing Legal Questions

News of Jackson’s pardon elicited widespread relief and celebration. Supporters, who had followed the case for over a decade, welcomed his release across social media and public forums. Many also called for reforms to better protect farmers and clarify self-defence laws in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Legal analysts, however, caution that while the pardon grants freedom, it does not overturn Jackson’s conviction, leaving unresolved questions about judicial precedent and accountability. The case underscores broader systemic challenges, including rural insecurity and judicial complexities that continue to affect vulnerable communities.

As Sunday Jackson steps out of prison after more than a decade awaiting execution, his story serves as both a personal victory and a reminder of the structural reforms needed to prevent similar cases in the future.