Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) appeals for mercy on Man sentenced to death for murder

Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) appeals for mercy on Man sentenced to death for murder

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) representing the 19 Northern States and the FCT has called on Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State to exercise his constitutional powers and grant clemency to Mr. Sunday Jackson, who is currently on death row.

The association emphasised the need for peace and reconciliation, urging the governor to pardon Jackson in the spirit of healing and unity for both the state and the country.

The plea comes after the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, who was convicted of murder.

However, CAN has voiced concerns about the fairness of Jackson’s trial, especially in light of Section 23 of the Adamawa State Penal Code, which permits the use of self-defense in such cases.

The association argues that Jackson’s actions were a legitimate response to an attack and that he should not have been sentenced to death.

In a statement signed by CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, and Secretary Bishop Mohammed Naga, the group described the lengthy trial—lasting over six years—as an injustice.

They pointed out that Jackson endured an agonizing wait, subjected to the shadow of death while enduring unnecessary delays in his trial.

They further emphasized that the trial, which began in November 2018, was marred by excessive delays, including a wait of over 167 days for the final judgment.

CAN strongly criticised the interpretation of the law by the trial judge, who ruled that Jackson should have fled rather than defend himself against his attackers.

The association stressed that Jackson was acting in self-defense when he fatally wounded Ardo Bawuro, one of his assailants, who had attacked him on his own farm. Jackson’s use of a knife, which had belonged to Bawuro, was part of an effort to survive the assault, and the legal basis for his conviction was dubious at best, according to CAN.

Further raising concerns, CAN pointed out that the trial violated constitutional principles regarding the expeditious delivery of judgments.

Under Section 294 of the 1999 Constitution, judgments should be delivered within 90 days of the close of final addresses. However, in Jackson’s case, the wait for judgment far exceeded this constitutional requirement.

With the legal proceedings behind him and having spent years in custody, CAN is urging Governor Fintiri to show mercy, considering both the misinterpretation of the law and the undue suffering Jackson has endured.

The association believes this pardon would serve as an important step toward rectifying a miscarriage of justice and bringing about much-needed peace in the state.