The Supreme Court’s decision on the 7th of March, 2025, to affirm the death sentence of Adamawa Christian farmer, Mr. Sunday Jackson, who was convicted for defending himself against a killer herdsman, has significant implications. Nigerians, like every other humans, have the right to protect themselves and their communities. The first security to every individual is self defence in the face of danger, where the conventional security personnel is not available or lack the capability to protect the individual person or individual people.
The Supreme Court’s decision has questionable implications, which suggests complicity in the ongoing carnage against innocent farmers and the communities held hostage by killer herdsmen. The Court’s decision to affirm a death setence against Mr. Sunday Jackson for not quietly allowing the armed herdsman to kill him will further erode community trust in our justice system.
A fair verdict that supports our right to self defence, which is naturally intertwined with every human’s survival instinct, will promote justice and stability. The central government must protect self defence laws which remains the right of every human above the ground. No two ways about it! Mr. Sunday is a victim of miscarriage of justice and a headless leadership system. The right to self-defence does not require any constitutional approval in the face of danger.
Nigeria’s judiciary must prioritize justice and fairness, considering the context of violence and provide clarity on self-defense laws. The case highlights the challenges of protecting one’s life in the face of danger, upholding the law and ensuring justice. A balanced approach will promote peace and stability.
This is a call to action for every right thinking Nigerian. Nigerians must demand justice and accountability, support victims of violence and advocate for legal reforms.
The verdict’s impact on Nigerian society will depend on its fairness and justice, for any verdict drawn from the dark room of oppression and intimidation or that of the fear of a particular clique will further exacerbate the public opinions about the judiciary, which will linger on to promote jungle justice, loss of hope in the Nigerian leadership and illegal procurements of ammunitions for self defence. It engenders lawlessness in its entirety.
It is high time we rose together to demand justice for Mr. Sunday Jackson, a local farmer, who in the face of life threatening danger was left with no choice other than to defend himself at all cost.
Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassador Global.