Nigeria remains grappling with the complexities of a justice system that often fails those most vulnerable. The case of Sunday Jackson, a farmer sentenced to death for an act of self-defence, underscores these deep-seated challenges. His conviction, arising from an altercation with a herdsman in 2015, not only highlights the volatile nature of farmer-herder conflicts but also raises urgent and critical questions about due process and judicial fairness in Nigeria.
Here are the key events leading to his unjust conviction and the broader implications of this ruling.
2015: The Incident
Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Dong Community in Adamawa, was tending to his crops in Kodomti Community Numan Local Government Area (LGA) when a herdsman allowed his animals to devastate Jackson’s fields. When Jackson confronted him, the herdsman responded with violence, attacking Jackson with a knife. Injured but determined, Jackson managed to overpower the assailant, seizing the knife and fatally wounding him. This was clear self-defence
2018: Arrest and Detention
Following the incident, Jackson was arrested and charged with culpable homicide. In November 2018, he was arraigned on a single charge regarding the death of Ardo Bawuro by stabbing. Jackson maintained his not guilty plea, asserting that he acted in defence of himself and his property.
2019: Trial Period
Despite the expectation for a trial to last no more than five days, Sunday Jackson languished in custody for several years awaiting a trial for a capital offence. Notably, he acknowledged that the herdsman's death resulted from his self-defence, yet the trial occurred under the radar with minimal media attention.
2021-2025: Court Verdict
In February 2021, the trial judge issued a perplexing and unjust judgement. She concluded that because Jackson admitted to killing the herdsman, he deserved the death penalty by hanging. This ruling is particularly egregious considering the Constitution was amended to enforce the timely dispensation of justice, mandating that a judgement be rendered within 90 days of the closing of final addresses. According to Section 294 (5), any delay leads to a miscarriage of justice, which is the case here. Nevertheless, both the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court upheld this blatant miscarriage of justice, affirming Sunday Jackson’s conviction and sentencing him to death by hanging while dismissing his legitimate claim of self-defence.
Implications of the Court’s Ruling
- Precedent for Farmer-Herdsmen Conflicts
- The case highlights Nigeria’s ongoing crisis between farmers and nomadic herders, often marked by violence, land disputes, and ethnic tensions.
- This ruling sets a dangerous precedent that undermines self-defence claims in similar situations, sending a chilling message to those who might defend their livelihoods.
- Justice System Critique
- This case reveals systemic biases and inadequate legal representation, raising serious concerns about the integrity of Nigeria's judicial process.
- It reignites debates about Nigeria’s use of capital punishment, particularly in cases influenced by socio-political strife.
- Broader Social Impact
- For farming communities, the ruling may heighten feelings of vulnerability and marginalisation.
- It underlines the urgent need for structural reforms to address the farmer-herder crisis, including robust dialogue, legal reform, and sustainable land-use policies.
In summary, Sunday Jackson’s case transcends the story of one man; it starkly illustrates the severe fractures in Nigeria’s justice system, the ongoing land disputes, and the intricate intersections of ethnicity, livelihood, and law. This situation demands immediate attention and action.
By Benjamin Wellington
