NSCEA condemns death sentence on Sunday Jackson

…. Calls for Justice and Fairness

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs (NSCEA) has condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and calling for an urgent review of the case.

Sunday Jackson was convicted of killing a Fulani herdsman, Ardo Bawuro, during an altercation on his farm. Jackson claimed he acted in self-defense after the herdsman allegedly attacked him while grazing cattle on his crops. Despite evidence supporting his plea, the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence on March 7, 2024, ruling that Jackson used excessive force in defending himself.

According to the NSCEA, the court delivered its judgment 167 days after the final written submissions — far exceeding the constitutionally mandated 90-day deadline — a delay the council says undermines the credibility of the judicial process.

In a statement signed by Bishop Professor Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, Secretary of the Elders’ Council, NSCEA expressed deep concern over the ruling and urged authorities to ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done.

“We believe this judgment represents a miscarriage of justice and raises serious concerns about the fairness and impartiality of Nigeria’s judicial system,” Bishop Adesanya-Davies said. “The rights of ordinary Nigerians, especially the vulnerable and marginalized, must be protected.”

The NSCEA called for a comprehensive review of the judgment and urged the government to commute the death sentence given the circumstances surrounding the case. The organization also appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Attorney General of the Federation to re-examine the matter and ensure that Mr. Jackson’s constitutional rights were not violated.

Furthermore, the NSCEA called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene and guarantee that justice and fairness prevail. The council also highlighted the broader implications of the case for farmer-herder relations and the right to self-defense in Nigeria.

“The NSCEA stands in solidarity with Sunday Jackson and his family during this difficult time,” Bishop Adesanya-Davies added. “We also stand with all victims of ethnic and religious violence and say no to any form of persecution or ethnic cleansing.”

The council urged all well-meaning Nigerians, religious leaders, and civil society organizations to join in advocating for justice, fairness, and compassion in the case.

Background

Clashes between farmers and herders have been a recurring source of violence in parts of northern and central Nigeria, including Adamawa State, where competition over land, water, and grazing routes has led to deadly confrontations. Many rural farmers have accused herders of destroying crops and attacking communities, while herders have alleged unfair treatment and lack of protection.
Analysts say the Sunday Jackson case underscores the growing tensions around self-defense claims and the need for judicial sensitivity in handling cases arising from these conflicts.