The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Mr. Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, has sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians calling the ruling a gross miscarriage of justice. The verdict has reignited debates over the fairness of the judicial system, particularly in cases involving clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.
Over the years, Adamawa State has witnessed numerous violent conflicts between farmers and herders, resulting in devastating casualties and destruction. Between 2018 and 2024, more than 200 people lost their lives, while 50 houses were burned in the clashes. In January 2018 alone, 15 people were killed when over 400 herdsmen attacked villages in Numan and Lamurde local councils.
Despite these recurring attacks, many citizens argue that justice has been unevenly applied, with amnesty granted to some perpetrators while victims like Jackson face the death penalty.
Mr. Sunday Jackson’s legal battle dates back to 2014 when he was attacked on his farmland by a Fulani herdsman wielding a knife. In an attempt to defend himself, Jackson managed to overpower his attacker, resulting in the herdsman’s death. Despite clear evidence that Jackson acted in self-defense, the Adamawa High Court sentenced him to death by hanging in 2021, a ruling that the Supreme Court has now upheld.
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Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express their anger over the ruling. A Facebook user, Sunday Butty Samuel, criticized the decision, stating: “Amnesty was given to some Fulani killers and bandits, yet a farmer fighting for his life is sentenced to death. Nigeria has gone too far in the wrong direction.” Another user, Sanusi Abdulmutakkabir, wrote: “This is wrong and unacceptable. It is no longer about Jackson alone; this is a warning sign for all of us.”
Critics argue that the Supreme Court’s decision highlights a disturbing bias in Nigeria’s legal system. Many are questioning why known attackers have received amnesty while Jackson, who was fighting for his survival, faces the ultimate punishment. A furious social media user, G. Collins Adams, posted: “Injustice at its highest peak! How many Fulani herdsmen have been sentenced to death for killing farmers in this country?”
The trial court, presided over by Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, ruled that Jackson should have fled after disarming his attacker instead of using the knife against him. However, legal experts and human rights activists argue that such an expectation is unrealistic in life-threatening situations.
Adding to the controversy, Jackson spent seven years in prison before his sentencing in 2021, raising concerns about constitutional infractions during his trial. His appeal brief highlighted irregularities in the legal process, yet the Supreme Court still upheld the judgment, sealing his fate ten years after the incident.
As the dust settles, demands for a review of Jackson’s case continue to grow. Advocacy groups, legal experts, and citizens alike are urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene. Many believe that granting Jackson clemency would restore public faith in the judicial system and prevent future miscarriages of justice.
The Supreme Court’s ruling has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many Nigerians, fueling concerns over systemic bias in the justice system. With mounting pressure for a reversal, all eyes are now on the presidency and human rights organizations to step in before it is too late.
