Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the fairness of Nigeria’s justice system. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) joins concerned citizens in calling for justice, fairness, and compassion in addressing this case.
Sunday Jackson was convicted of murder for killing a Fulani herdsman, Ardo Bawuro, in self-defense on his farm. Despite substantial evidence supporting his plea of self-defense, the Supreme Court maintained the death sentence, citing what it described as excessive use of force. The court delivered its judgment 167 days after the final written submissions, far beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day period.
The NSCEA expresses deep concern over this ruling. It strongly condemns the judgment and insists on a thorough review of the case to safeguard justice and uphold human rights.
On March 7, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that Jackson was guilty of murder, despite the self-defense claims. The NSCEA considers this verdict a miscarriage of justice that highlights serious flaws in Nigeria’s judicial system.
The council notes that the ruling has provoked widespread public concern, with many Nigerians questioning the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process. The NSCEA shares these concerns and urges the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to review the case.
The implications of this judgment extend beyond Sunday Jackson, potentially affecting vulnerable and marginalized Nigerians. The NSCEA emphasizes that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done—an expectation that appears unmet in this instance.
According to Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of the Elders’ Council, NSCEA:
“In light of this, the NSCEA urges the relevant authorities to:
Review the judgment: Conduct a thorough reassessment to ensure justice is served and rights are protected.
Commute the death sentence: Given the circumstances, consider reducing the penalty.
Ensure fair application of the law: Take into account the complexities of farmer-herder conflicts and the right to self-defense.
Chief Justice of Nigeria: Reassess the judgment to guarantee that true justice is delivered.
Attorney General of the Federation: Investigate whether Jackson’s rights were violated.
President Bola Tinubu: Intervene promptly to address this urgent matter.
National Human Rights Commission: Safeguard Mr. Jackson’s human rights through proper intervention.”
The NSCEA stands in solidarity with Sunday Jackson and his family during this challenging period. The council also affirms its support for Nigerian communities affected by Fulani herdsmen violence and condemns any acts of ethnic cleansing. It calls on all Nigerians of goodwill to advocate for justice, fairness, and compassion in this case.
Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Secretary General, Elders’ Council
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA)
