Jackson: Groups condemn death sentence for killing Fulani herdsman in defence
By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Nigerian Human Rights Community, NHRC in a statement on Monday joined the global condemnation of the death Supreme Court death sentence against a farmer,Jackson
Sunday Jackson was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court after he overpowered a Fulani herdsman that had stabbed and wounded him.
The incidence took place in Northern Nigeria
The statement signed by NHRC official Mr Taiwo Adeleye described the death sentence as a harsh punishment for someone defending himself against death from armed herdsmen.
“Jackson is a humble farmer who was attacked on his farm. A struggle came with the assailant. He was able to overpower the armed herdsman who had stabbed him. He stabbed his attacker in other to weaken him but he died,” Adeleye said.
He said his attacker had wanted to kill him but by share luck he overpowered his attacker.
“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant pardon to this gentle soul.”
In a similar vein, the US-based human rights advocate, Dr. William Devlin, has described the recent ruling in the case of Sunday Jackson as a tragic moment for human rights in Nigeria.
Speaking on the case in Arise TV, Dr. Devlin said that Sunday Jackson is innocent by all reasonable standards.
He recounted how Jackson was on his farm when he was confronted by an armed Fulani herder, a struggle ensued, and Jackson defended himself—a clear case of self-defense, Devlin said.
Expressing his disappointment in the Nigeria’s judicial system, he said, “Today, we were at the Nigerian Supreme Court. The proceedings lasted barely two minutes, and we wept at the failure of the Nigerian Supreme Court.”
Dr. Devlin further lamented the missed opportunity for justice, stating that “The court had a chance to declare this man totally innocent. While we may not have seen every detail of the proceedings, we had the opportunity to meet this humble farmer. His story is heartbreaking—his wife abandoned him, and now he has been on death row for ten years.”
He emphasized that Jackson’s case has now gained international attention. “Sunday Jackson has now become an international case for human rights,” he said.
Highlighting the global implications, Dr. Devlin said the case has opened doors for human rights organizations worldwide to show concern about the judiciary in Nigeria.
“I’ve repeatedly noted that thousands of Christians have been killed by Fulani. As a human rights advocate and a Pastor, I am here to advocate for this man who is totally innocent.”
The eyes of human rights groups are now on Nigeria adding “how could something like this happen.”?
