- The Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for Sunday Jackson, confirming the lower court's decision
- Jackson claimed he acted in self-defence when a Fulani herdsman attacked him with a knife
- The case stirred widespread reactions on the fairness of self-defense laws and legal protections in Nigeria
The Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, has sparked widespread controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the decision given Jackson's claim of acting in self-defense against a Fulani herdsman.
The Supreme Court’s ruling confirmed the lower court’s verdict, sealing Jackson's fate and prompting a wave of calls for clemency from those who view the sentence as unjust.
Jackson maintains he acted in self-defence
Jackson has consistently maintained that he acted in self-defence when the Fulani herdsman attacked him with a knife while he was working on his farm.
During the struggle, Jackson managed to wrest control of the knife and fatally stabbed the attacker, who later died from his injuries.
The prosecution acknowledged that the knife used in the altercation belonged to the herdsman, a detail that has fueled claims that Jackson was defending his life.
Jackson sentenced to death despite claims of self-defence
Despite this, the trial court determined that Jackson should have fled the scene after disarming the herdsman instead of using the weapon against him. The court convicted him of murder and sentenced him to death.
Jackson was sentenced to death by hanging which has raised significant concerns about the fairness of the ruling, with many critics arguing that it overlooks the immediate danger Jackson faced.
The case has stirred widespread outrage and intensified discussions on the need for stronger legal protections for individuals who act in self-defense during violent encounters.
TheRadar has gathered some public reactions below:
Nigerians react to Sunday Jackson’s death sentence
“Our Christian leaders are mute over the case of Sunday Jackson. Once it does not affect offerings and tithes, they are not worried,” @novieverest reacted.
“A Caucasian pastor had to come to Nigeria to speak for Christians in a country where we have "God's generals," "Papas," and those who "eat and drink with God." Again, the Nigerian dream is to just be an elite. We are all guilty There's no love in us!!!” Omo Akin stated.
“Sunday Jackson killed a Fulani man who attacked him in his farm in self defense. At best, Manslaughter should have been the leading charge but today the Supreme Court has sentenced him to death by hanging. There are over 3600 Nigerians on Death row. What a Judicial mess,” Niger Delta reacted.
“How many Fulani herdsmen have been sentenced to death in Nigeria? Now you see everything is State sponsored,” @MaziAkwaetiti reacted.
“Brother how many boko haram has been sentenced at all? Rather this FOOLISH NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT decided to reorientate them and integrate them back into the society. Nigeria is a FUCKING MESS,” Victor Uzondu reacted.
“Sadly Sunday Jackson’s case reflects what many Nigerians are going through on a daily basis. It’s good that the international community is seeing the true reality of the kind of justice in the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” DrUmaruAJ reacted.
“Where is the Christian Association of Nigeria in all of these? Where is the voice of the farmers in Adamawa? Where are the lawyers and judges who swore oaths to defend and uphold the laws of the country? Everybody is just useless,” Conveyor Belt Expert stated.
Supreme Court dismisses lawsuit seeking Tinubu's removal, fines plaintiff
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit seeking the removal of President Bola Tinubu, citing frivolous claims related to CIA and drug allegations.
Plaintiff Ambrose Owuru, who represented himself in court, was fined N5 million for filing the suit against Tinubu and former President Buhari.