Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, governor of Adamawa state, has granted a state pardon to Sunday Jackson, a farmer who was sentenced to death for killing a man alleged to have attacked him on his farm.
Jackson was among three inmates granted pardon by the governor as part of activities marking the Christmas and New Year celebrations. The governor also approved the full remission of sentences for five other inmates serving various jail terms across custodial centres in the state.
Those pardoned alongside Jackson are Joseph Eugene and Maxwell Ibrahim, who were held at medium-security custodial centres in Yola and Kaduna, respectively.Meanwhile, the inmates whose sentences were fully remitted are Joshua James Audo, Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammed Abubakar, Ibrahim Usman, and Saidu Abubakar. They were serving sentences at custodial centres in Numan and Jada.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Humwashi Wonosikou, chief press secretary to the governor, said Fintiri exercised his constitutional prerogative of mercy based on recommendations from the Adamawa State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
The statement noted that the decision reflects the governor’s commitment to justice, fairness, and compassion, particularly during the festive season, while also reinforcing the state’s belief in rehabilitation and second chances for deserving inmates.
The pardon of Jackson, whose case had drawn public attention due to claims of self-defence, has reignited conversations around farmers’ safety, self-preservation, and the administration of justice in rural communities.
