ActionAid Condemns Death Sentence For Farmer Jackson, Who Defended Himself

Abuja, Nigeria – ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has strongly condemned the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence for Sunday Jackson, a young farmer who defended himself against a violent attacker.

The organisation referred to the decision as a “travesty of justice” and a “miscarriage of justice” that undermines public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system.

Jackson, then 20, was attacked on his farm in 2015 by a herder named Buba Ardo Bawuro, who had deliberately led his cattle into Jackson’s crops.

When confronted, Bawuro assaulted Jackson with a knife. Despite being injured, Jackson was able to disarm and subdue his attacker, resulting in Bawuro’s death.

Instead of being identified as a victim, Jackson was arrested and charged with culpable homicide.

Following a seven-year detention, which AAN described as a clear violation of his rights, Jackson was convicted and sentenced to death by the Yola High Court in 2021. The Supreme Court upheld this sentence on March 7, 2025.

AAN criticised the judge’s decision, claiming that the expectation that Jackson would flee after disarming his attacker was absurd given the circumstances.

Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, expressed deep concern, stating that the ruling establishes a dangerous precedent that reinforces systemic injustice against vulnerable Nigerians.

He emphasised that self-defence is a fundamental right under both Nigerian and international law.

Mamedu also claimed that Jackson’s right to a fair and speedy trial had been violated by the prolonged trial and detention.

AAN is urging Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri to grant executive clemency to prevent Jackson’s execution.

The organisation also urged Nigerians and civil society organisations to condemn the decision and call on the governor to intervene.

AAN reiterated its position that the judiciary must stop being a tool of oppression against the poor and that justice must be administered equally.

The organisation promised to keep fighting for Jackson’s release, saying, “Justice for Sunday Jackson is justice for all Nigerians.”