Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has granted pardon to a death row inmate, Sunday Jackson, bringing relief to many Nigerians who have followed his case with concern over the years. Jackson, an Adamawa farmer, was sentenced to death for killing a herdsman, a case that has continued to draw public attention because of claims that he acted in self-defence.
The governor also pardoned two other inmates and approved the remission of sentences for five others as part of activities to mark the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The decision was announced on Tuesday in Yola through a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Humwashi Wonosikou.
According to the statement, the governor granted pardon to Sunday Jackson, who is currently held at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory. Two other inmates were also pardoned. They are Joseph Eugene, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Yola, and Maxwell Ibrahim, who is being held at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kaduna.
In addition to the pardons, Governor Fintiri approved the full remission of the remaining jail terms of five other inmates. These include Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman and Saidu Abubakar. The inmates are serving their sentences at the Medium Security Custodial Centres in Numan and Jada.
Wonosikou explained that the governor’s decision was based on the powers given to him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He said the action followed recommendations made by the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
Quoting the governor, the statement said, “In the exercise of my prerogative of mercy as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in line with the recommendations of the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted pardon to three persons and directed the remission of the remainder of the sentences of five others who have served various jail terms and have significantly demonstrated good conduct over the years.”
The governor noted that the gesture was also meant to encourage other inmates to improve their behaviour and prepare for a better life after prison. He said the government believes in correction and rehabilitation, not only punishment.
The case of Sunday Jackson has attracted widespread public interest, especially in Adamawa State and beyond. Jackson, a farmer, was sentenced to death after being convicted for killing a herdsman during a dispute. Many individuals and groups have argued that Jackson acted in self-defence and should not have received the death penalty.
Over the years, human rights activists, civil society groups and concerned citizens have called on the Adamawa State Government to intervene in the matter. They raised concerns about fairness, access to justice and the wider issue of conflicts between farmers and herders across Nigeria.
Farmer-herder clashes have been a long-standing problem in many parts of the country, particularly in the North Central and North East regions. These conflicts are often linked to competition over land and water, as well as the movement of livestock through farming communities. In some cases, such clashes have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property and displacement of families.
Many Nigerians believe that such cases should be carefully handled to avoid further tension and to ensure justice for all parties involved. The Jackson case became a symbol for some of the challenges facing the justice system, especially for poor and rural citizens who may lack access to strong legal representation.
The decision to pardon Jackson has therefore been welcomed by many as a step towards justice and reconciliation. Some residents of Adamawa State have described the governor’s action as humane and timely, especially during the festive season when messages of forgiveness and hope are often shared.
Christmas and New Year periods are traditionally used by governments in Nigeria to grant pardons or reduce sentences for inmates who have shown good behaviour. Such gestures are seen as a way to give inmates a second chance and reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities.
Nigeria’s correctional centres have long struggled with overcrowding, poor facilities and limited resources. Many inmates spend years awaiting trial or serving long sentences in difficult conditions. As a result, the use of pardon and remission is often encouraged by prison reform advocates as part of wider efforts to improve the system.
The Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy plays a key role in reviewing cases and advising the governor on inmates who qualify for pardon or sentence reduction. Factors usually considered include the nature of the offence, length of time served, behaviour in custody and signs of rehabilitation.
In this case, the governor’s office stated that all the beneficiaries of the pardon and remission had shown significant improvement in their conduct while in custody. This, according to the statement, influenced the decision to grant them freedom or reduce their sentences.
For Sunday Jackson, the pardon marks the end of a long and painful journey through the criminal justice system. Though details of his release process were not immediately made public, the pardon means he will no longer face the death sentence that had hung over him for years.
As Adamawa State celebrates the festive season, the governor’s action has added a human angle to the celebrations. Supporters hope that Jackson and the other freed inmates will receive support to reintegrate into their communities and live productive lives.
The development has also renewed calls for deeper reforms in the justice system, especially in handling cases involving self-defence and communal conflicts. Many believe that lessons from the Jackson case should guide future decisions to ensure fairness and prevent similar controversies.