Sunday Jackson, an Adamawa State Christian farmer on death row after he gained the upper hand and killed a Fulani herdsman trying to kill him, has been granted a state pardon, after local and international protests.
Adamawa State’s Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on December 23, 2025, announced the granting of a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year.
His case came to the front burner recently after US President Donald Trump declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Interest over the genocide against Christians.
The farmer spent about 11 years on death row after being convicted for killing a Fulani herdsman who attacked him on his farm.
He had been remanded in Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, up until his pardon on Tuesday
The state pardon was granted under the Governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy as part of a Christmas and New Year clemency exercise.
The decision was based on recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and was officially confirmed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
Apart from Sunday Jackson, Governor Fintiri also pardoned two other inmates and commuted the remaining sentences of five others, citing good conduct.
Until 2015, Sunday Jackson was a farmer based in the Dong Community in the Demsa Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State. Jackson was working on his farm in 2015 when Buba Bawuro, a herdsman, brought his cattle onto the farm, and they started feeding on his crops.
When Jackson challenged Bawuro, the herdsman took out a sword and attacked and wounded Jackson.
The farmer managed to retrieve the knife from his attacker and return the stabs.
Bawuro later died from the stab injuries.
Although he argued that he acted in self-defence, the Yola High Court held that he was guilty and sentenced him to death in 2021.
The ruling judge, Fatima Ahmed Tafida, held that Jackson could have fled the scene after disarming Baruwo.
Jackson’s actions also carried a death sentence under Section 211 of the Penal Code.
The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence ruling in March 2025, to the dismay of human rights advocates and legal experts.
Christian Farmer Sunday Jackson, Sentenced To Death For Killing Fulani Attacker, Wins State Pardon
Sunday Jackson, an Adamawa State Christian farmer on death row after he gained the upper hand and killed a Fulani herdsman trying to kill him, has been granted a state pardon, after local and international protests.
Adamawa State’s Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on December 23, 2025, announced the granting of a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year.
His case came to the front burner recently after US President Donald Trump declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Interest over the genocide against Christians.
The farmer spent about 11 years on death row after being convicted for killing a Fulani herdsman who attacked him on his farm.
He had been remanded in Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abuja, up until his pardon on Tuesday
The state pardon was granted under the Governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy as part of a Christmas and New Year clemency exercise.
The decision was based on recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy and was officially confirmed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou.
Apart from Sunday Jackson, Governor Fintiri also pardoned two other inmates and commuted the remaining sentences of five others, citing good conduct.
Until 2015, Sunday Jackson was a farmer based in the Dong Community in the Demsa Local Government Area (LGA) of Adamawa State. Jackson was working on his farm in 2015 when Buba Bawuro, a herdsman, brought his cattle onto the farm, and they started feeding on his crops.
When Jackson challenged Bawuro, the herdsman took out a sword and attacked and wounded Jackson.
The farmer managed to retrieve the knife from his attacker and return the stabs.
Bawuro later died from the stab injuries.
Although he argued that he acted in self-defence, the Yola High Court held that he was guilty and sentenced him to death in 2021.
The ruling judge, Fatima Ahmed Tafida, held that Jackson could have fled the scene after disarming Baruwo.
Jackson’s actions also carried a death sentence under Section 211 of the Penal Code.
On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the high court.
His case sparked national debate over self-defence rights and justice.
US Congressman Riley M. Moore, had earlier called on the Nigerian government to pardon Jackson.
