‘Sunday Jackson is Free!’, US Congressman Reacts To Release Of Nigerian Farmer Sentenced To Death

United States Congressman Riley Moore has reacted to the release of a Nigerian farmer, Mr Sunday Jackson, who was previously sentenced to death by the Adamawa State High Court.

Moore, in a post on his X account, announced Jackson’s freedom, writing: “Sunday Jackson is FREE. Thanks be to God! More to come soon!”

Jackson, a farmer from Dong community in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was sentenced to death in 2021 after being found guilty of killing a Fulani herder, Buba Bawuro, during a confrontation on his farm.

The incident occurred when the herder reportedly allowed his cattle to graze on Jackson’s farmland. An altercation ensued, during which Bawuro, allegedly armed with a knife, attacked Jackson.

Although injured, Jackson overpowered the assailant, seized the knife and stabbed him. Bawuro later died from the injuries.

Despite Jackson’s claim that he acted in self-defence, the Yola High Court, presided over by Justice Fatima Ahmed Tafida, ruled that he could have fled after disarming his attacker.

The court consequently sentenced him to death under Section 211 of the Penal Code.

Jackson had spent about 10 years on death row before his eventual release, which has now drawn international attention and reactions.