By RismadarVoice Media
December 24, 2025
Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has granted a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was sentenced to death by hanging for killing a herder.
The pardon was announced on Tuesday, sparking celebrations across Yola as residents took to the streets in jubilation.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, confirmed that Jackson, who was awaiting execution at the Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abuja, was pardoned alongside two other inmates—Joseph Eugene from Yola and Maxwell Ibrahim from Kaduna.
In addition, Governor Fintiri approved the remission of the remaining jail terms of five other inmates serving sentences in Numan and Jada, citing good conduct, significant behavioural improvement, based on recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.
Jackson was convicted of killing a Fulani herder who was grazing cattle on his farm, during a struggle in which the farmer sustained injuries.
Earlier this year, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction, sentencing him to death a judgment that sparked widespread debate and international attention.
In November 2025, a U.S. Congressman, Riley Moore, had called on the Nigerian government to pardon Jackson, describing the act as self-defence and questioning the fairness of the death penalty under the circumstances.
Following the pardon announcement, commercial activities in parts of Yola were temporarily halted as residents celebrated what many described as a long-awaited act of justice.
