Nigerian Farmer on Death Row Freed After U.S. Advocacy and Presidential Pardon

A Nigerian farmer, Sunday Jackson, who had spent more than a decade on death row following a fatal confrontation on his farm, has been released after receiving a pardon amid sustained international advocacy and diplomatic pressure from the United States.

U.S. Congressman Riley Moore announced the development in a statement shared on X, saying Jackson had been freed after years of imprisonment for actions taken in self-defense. According to Moore, Jackson was violently attacked while working on his farm and fought back, resulting in the death of his assailant.

Jackson’s case attracted attention from human rights and religious freedom advocates, who argued that he acted to protect his life during the incident. Supporters maintained that the prolonged detention and death sentence raised serious concerns about due process and the treatment of vulnerable rural farmers facing violent attacks.

Moore said he had pushed for Jackson’s release through public advocacy and private engagements, including discussions with Nigerian officials during a recent U.S. Congressional delegation visit to the country. He described the pardon as a significant step toward justice in the case.

With the pardon granted, Jackson has been released from custody and reunited with his family. His supporters say his freedom highlights the impact of sustained international pressure and renewed calls for broader reforms in the handling of self-defense cases and communal violence across parts of Nigeria.