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AAN Condemns Supreme Court for Upholding Sunday Jackson’s Death Sentence
AAN Condemns Supreme Court for Upholding Sunday Jackson’s Death Sentence
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned what it termed travesty of justice in the case of Sunday Jackson, a young farmer and student sentenced to death for defending himself against a violent attacker.
In a statement signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu on Thursday,
ActionAid Nigeria said the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the sentence is a miscarriage of justice.
In 2015, Sunday Jackson, then a 20-year-old student and farmer from Dong community in Demsa Local Government Area, Adamawa State, was attacked on his farm in Kodomti community, Numan Local Government Area.
Buba Ardo Bawuro, a herder, deliberately led his cattle to graze on Jackson’s crops. When confronted, Bawuro violently attacked Jackson with a knife, stabbing him in the leg. Despite his injuries, Jackson managed to overpower his assailant and seized the weapon. In the ensuing struggle, Bawuro lost his life. Rather than being recognised as a victim of an unprovoked attack who defended himself, Jackson was arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
What followed was a complete breakdown of justice. Jackson spent seven years in detention, which AAN described as a blatant violation of his rights, before being convicted and sentenced to death in 2021 by the Yola High Court.
AAN said “the judge outrageously ruled that Jackson should have fled after disarming his attacker—an absurd expectation under such dire circumstances. The Supreme Court, which should have corrected this injustice, instead upheld the death sentence on March 7, 2025, further eroding the public’s confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.”
Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria noted that “This ruling sets a dangerous precedent and reinforces systemic injustice against the most vulnerable Nigerians. Sunday Jackson was a young farmer defending himself against an unprovoked attack, yet instead of justice, he has been subjected to a decade of wrongful imprisonment and now faces execution. This is not just an individual tragedy; it is an indictment of our justice system and a stark reminder of the inequalities that persist in Nigeria.”
Mamedu noted that self-defense is not a crime. It is a fundamental right recognised under Nigerian and international law. By condemning Jackson to death for protecting himself, the Supreme Court has sent a chilling message to all citizens—that their right to life is secondary to legal technicalities and systemic failures.
Mamedu also noted that ‘‘the prolonged trial period, detention and delayed judgment, blatantly violated Jackson’s right to a fair and speedy trial as provided for under Section 36(6)(b) of the Constitution.
ActionAid Nigeria however called for the intervention of the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, to grant executive clemency and stop this “wrongful execution,” adding that: “We call on Nigerians and Civil Society Organisations to condemn this ruling and pressure Governor Fintiri to overturn this injustice.’’
ActionAid Nigeria reiterated that the Nigerian judiciary must cease being a tool of oppression against the poor, stating that: “This case should serve as a wake-up call that justice cannot be selective—Sunday Jackson must not be executed for daring to survive an attack. We will not stand by while an innocent man is being executed for having defended himself.
“Justice for Sunday Jackson is justice for all Nigerians.”
AAN Condemns Supreme Court for Upholding Sunday Jackson’s Death Sentence
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
… Urges Citizens to Observe Voluntary Fast on Monday
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has announced that the state government is working on a comprehensive strategy in collaboration with the federal government to strengthen security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip security agents with necessary tools to confront the recent security threats.
Governor Zulum made the announcement on Saturday during a statewide broadcast.
He pledged to strengthen the volunteer forces, improve intelligence gathering at the community level and early warning systems as part of commitment to address the menace.
“In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies. I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever. Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” Zulum stated.
The governor restated that the President has given an assurance to tackle the surge in the security challenges head-on.
“Indeed the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the Service Chiefs have given us assurances that they will do everything possible within their reach to bring to an end the current insecurity that we are facing in the state,”.
“we shall also strengthen our volunteer forces, comprising the CJTF, hunters, and vigilantes, and bolster our community intelligence gathering and early warning systems as part of our commitment to supporting the security agencies. Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he assured.
The governor expressed commitment to address the water scarcity being experienced in parts of Maiduguri metropolis which was caused by the 10th September catastrophic flood disaster.
“Fellow citizens, I am aware of the ongoing water scarcity affecting parts of Maiduguri, Jere, and surrounding areas. This situation is a direct consequence of the destruction of major pipelines during the catastrophic floods of last year. Let me reassure you that my administration has been working tirelessly to restore the affected infrastructure. I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he assured.
“We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it insha Allah. I call upon all stakeholders, our traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, and indeed every citizen to join hands with us. Together, we can secure our communities, restore normalcy, and ensure that Borno thrives once again.
On the disturbing rise in criminal activities within the metropolis, the governor announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crime. “We will not allow criminal elements to destabilise the progress we are making, insha Allah”.
Zulum Urges Citizens to Fast on Monday
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has called on citizens of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday for peace to reign in the state and country at large.
Zulum in a statewide broadcast noted that the spiritual act of seeking devine intervention would strengthen the unity and renew the resilience of the people.
“In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity. This Monday, I am inviting you to join me in a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for peace to reign in Borno State, the Northeast and indeed the entire country. Let us come together to seek divine guidance, healing, and peace for our state,” Zulum remarked.
“Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope. Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose”.
“I encourage each of you to participate fully in this day of fasting. Let us pray for the safety of our families, the progress of our communities, and the lasting peace in our state and the country at large,” he concluded.
The governor commiserated with members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the course of discharging their duties and prayed for their families to bear the irreparable loss.
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have attacked Kulda community in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and setting several homes ablaze.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the assault occurred at about 6:25 p.m. on Friday, May 16.
The terrorists stormed the village located on the fringe of the Sambisa Forest and bordering Borno State catching the local security volunteers during a routine patrol.
Security forces visited the scene. Upon arrival, they recovered the bodies of three slain CJTF operatives.
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered an AK-47 rifle following a joint operation to retrieve rustled domestic animals in Konduga.
Zagazola Makama, gathered that the teams comprising Army, police tactical units, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters recovered the rifle from the bush during efforts to recover stolen sheep.
This development follows earlier reports on acts of terrorism, theft of domestic animals, culpable homicide, and causing grievous hurt in the area.
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
Zulum: Borno, FG Review Strategy to Tackle Resurgence of Attacks
Boko Haram terrorists kill 3 Civilian JTF members in adamawa village
Borno police recover AK-47 rifle during operation to retrieve rustled sheep in Konduga
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