Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has granted a pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was sentenced to death for killing a herder in what was ruled as a self-defence incident.
The pardon, signed on Monday under Section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution, followed sustained appeals from community leaders and even the family of the deceased, who pleaded for mercy.
Jackson, a farmer from Don village in Demsa Local Government Area, was attacked on his farm in 2015, leading to a fatal altercation and his arrest. He spent over ten years in custody before the Supreme Court upheld his death sentence, a decision that sparked nationwide debate on self-defence and justice.
Governor Fintiri’s decision was confirmed in a statement issued in Yola by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, who said the pardon was part of activities marking the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The governor also approved the remission of remaining jail terms for five other inmates, citing their good conduct and reformed behaviour while in custody.
Fintiri stated that the decision was made in line with constitutional provisions and recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, emphasizing compassion, reform, and justice.
