The Nigerian Supreme Court has upheld the death sentenced passed on Adamawa farmer Sunday Jackson by a high court judgement.
In 2001 Mr. Jackson was sentenced to death after he allegedly killed a Fulani herdsman who had attacked him with a knife, while on his farm cultivating his crops. He overpowered his attacker, and the struggle led to the death of the herdsman.
During the trial the high court in its judgement, observed that Mr. Jackson had the chance to escape after subduing his attacker but decided to stab him. The Supreme Court agreed with the judgement on March 7 sparking local and international outrage.
“This is really a sad day for Nigerians and their rights to self-defense,” said international human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe on Arise TV
“The case is so clear because this man (Jackson) retrieved the knife of his attacker. So, it wasn’t his own knife.
“This man has no case to answer. And now he has been sentenced to death. He has exhausted all legal channels and is awaiting execution.”
