Catholic Bishops Challenge Tinubu: Spare Convicted Killer, End Death Penalty in Nigeria

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to grant clemency to Mr. Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, whose death sentence was recently upheld by the Supreme Court.

Jackson, who has been on death row since 2012, was convicted for killing a Fulani herdsman, Ardo Bawuro, during a dispute on his farmland. He has consistently maintained that he acted in self-defense. On March 7, 2025, the Supreme Court reaffirmed his death sentence, prompting the bishops to make an appeal for presidential pardon.

In a communiqué released after their first plenary meeting in Abuja, the bishops, led by CBCN President Archbishop Lucius Ugorji and Secretary Bishop Donatus Ogun, reiterated the Catholic Church’s opposition to capital punishment.

“The Catholic Church stands firmly against the death penalty,” the statement read. “In light of the Jubilee Year of Hope, we earnestly appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant clemency to Mr. Sunday Jackson.”

The CBCN also condemned the recent closure of schools in certain states, including Kebbi, Katsina, Bauchi, and Kano, during the Ramadan fast. They argued that such decisions infringe on children’s right to education and ignore Nigeria’s religious diversity.

“We call on authorities to reverse these school closure orders to uphold the right to education for all children, regardless of religious affiliations,” the communiqué stated.

The bishops highlighted the Church’s dedication to education, healthcare, and agriculture, emphasizing that an enabling environment is essential for these sectors to thrive.

The CBCN urged political, religious, and traditional leaders to promote national unity, instill hope, and create avenues for development. While acknowledging the government’s progress in sectors like petroleum, infrastructure, student loans, minimum wage, and economic stability, they noted that Nigeria still faces major socio-economic difficulties.

“The cost of living remains extremely high, and incidents of kidnapping and violence against innocent citizens persist,” the bishops lamented.

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As the 2027 general elections approach, they encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope but to actively participate in the democratic process. Despite the setbacks of the 2023 elections, they urged citizens to engage in future elections and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the judiciary to restore credibility to the electoral system.

“We must not allow fear or disillusionment to silence us. Nigerians should insist on transparency, fairness, and good governance,” they stated.

The bishops also emphasized the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s correctional system. They urged both federal and state governments to address overcrowding in prisons by granting parole to well-behaved minor offenders.

“The government should uphold the fundamental rights of inmates, treat them with dignity, implement non-custodial sentencing where applicable, speed up the judicial process, and improve prison facilities,” the communiqué urged.

Through their appeal, the CBCN reinforced their broader advocacy for justice, human dignity, and systemic reforms that would enhance national cohesion and progress.