The Adamawa State Government has granted a full pardon to farmer Sunday Jackson, a man who spent over a decade on death row after being convicted for killing a herdsman in what he consistently maintained was self-defence. The decision, announced as part of the state’s Christmas and New Year clemency exercise, has reignited national conversations around justice, self-defence, and the long-standing farmers–herders crisis in Nigeria.

Sunday Jackson’s case dates back to 2013, when the farmer was arrested following the death of a Fulani herdsman during an altercation on his farmland in Adamawa State. Jackson told investigators that he was attacked while working on his farm and acted to protect his life. Despite his claims, he was later convicted and sentenced to death, a judgment that sparked concern among human rights advocates and civil society groups.

For 11 years, Jackson remained on death row as activists continued to call for a review of his case, citing concerns about due process, access to legal representation, and the broader implications for farmers facing violent attacks. His story became a symbol of what critics describe as systemic injustice against rural farmers caught in violent land disputes.

The pardon was officially approved by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, under the governor’s constitutional prerogative of mercy. State officials confirmed that the decision followed recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy, which reviewed Jackson’s case alongside others.

Since the announcement, reactions have poured in from across the country. Many Nigerians have welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-overdue act of justice and a humane acknowledgment of the realities faced by farmers in conflict-prone regions. Social media users, legal analysts, and advocacy groups have praised the Adamawa State Government for taking what they see as a courageous step.

However, some commentators have also pointed out that Jackson’s prolonged incarceration raises deeper concerns about Nigeria’s criminal justice system. They argue that while the pardon brings relief to one family, it highlights the need for broader reforms, particularly in cases involving self-defence and communal violence.

The case has once again drawn attention to the persistent farmer–herder conflict, which has claimed lives and livelihoods across several Nigerian states. Experts say clearer legal protections and faster judicial processes are essential to prevent similar situations in the future.

As Sunday Jackson regains his freedom after more than a decade behind bars, many Nigerians see his pardon not just as personal relief, but as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice, fairness, and compassion in governance.