Amanze Chinonye
Adamawa State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has granted a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who spent 11 years on death row, bringing to an end a highly controversial case that attracted widespread local and international attention, Prime Business Africa reports.
The pardon, announced as part of the governor’s Christmas and New Year clemency, also covered two other inmates Joseph Eugene and Maxwell Ibrahim held at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Yola and Kaduna, respectively.
Jackson had been incarcerated at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja after being sentenced to death in 2015 for killing a herder during an altercation on his farm in Kodomti village, Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
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The decision was announced in an official statement issued on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou. The statement said the pardon was granted in the exercise of the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy, following recommendations by the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
The incident stemmed from a dispute in which Jackson was reportedly attacked by a herder, identified in reports as Buba Bawuro, whose cattle were allegedly destroying his crops. Jackson maintained that he acted in self-defence after sustaining injuries, disarming the herder and stabbing him during the struggle.
Despite this claim, the High Court convicted Jackson and imposed the death sentence, which was upheld on appeal and later affirmed by the Supreme Court in March 2025 on the grounds that the force used was excessive. The judgment, which included a dissenting opinion, sparked widespread public debate.
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Human rights advocates, farming groups and civil society organisations, including the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), criticised the ruling, describing the case as emblematic of the wider farmer–herder conflict in Nigeria and raising concerns about the application of self-defence laws.
In addition to Jackson’s pardon, Governor Fintiri approved the complete remission of sentences for five other inmates Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman, and Saidu Abubakar currently serving at custodial centres in Numan and Jada.
The governor said the beneficiaries were selected based on significant behavioural improvement and good conduct while in custody, noting that the clemency exercise reflects the administration’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation and compassion during the festive season.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
