Adamawa governor pardons Sunday Jackson, orders his release from prison
Sunday Jackson, a death row inmate, is set to be released after receiving a pardon from Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. The pardon was granted after Jackson was sentenced to death by the Supreme Court for killing a herder who attacked him on his farm. The Adamawa State government completed all necessary procedures for his release. The case drew international attention and was discussed in the US Congress.
What we know
- Ahmadu Fintiri granted an executive pardon to Sunday Jackson, who had been sentenced to death by hanging.
- The pardon was given in commemoration of the Christmas and New Year celebrations, following recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
- Administrative procedures for Jackson’s release were concluded, and all documents were delivered to the correctional centre.
- In November 2025, US Representative Riley Moore urged the Nigerian government to pardon Jackson, describing his actions as self-defence.
- The case was mentioned in the US Congress during discussions on Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
