A member of the United States House of Representatives, Riley Moore, has called on the Nigerian government to pardon Sunday Jackson, a man sentenced to death after fatally defending himself against an attacker.
Jackson was said to be working on his farm when a suspected herder armed with a knife allegedly attempted to assault him. He reportedly managed to subdue the attacker in self-defence, leading to the herder’s death.
In 2021, an Adamawa high court sentenced Jackson to death, ruling that he should have fled instead of stabbing his assailant. The supreme court later upheld this judgment on March 7.
During a congressional hearing on allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria, Moore referenced constitutional provisions that restrict civilians from owning firearms. He accused authorities of ignoring situations where “Fulani militants” openly carry weapons.
Moore said, “I would urge the Nigerian government to take a look at pardoning Sunday Jackson, who was an individual who was fighting for his own life, defending his life against one of these Fulani militants,” questioning why Jackson faces the death penalty while armed groups continue to operate freely.
He stressed that Jackson acted to save his own life, yet now faces severe punishment, while those violating the law roam with weapons unchecked.
Moore also urged the federal government to focus more on safeguarding lives and strengthening security.