A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore (R–West Virginia), has welcomed the release of Sunday Jackson, a Nigerian Christian farmer who was pardoned after spending years on death row for killing an attacker in what was ruled as self-defense.
Jackson was freed following a pardon granted by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. His release comes after sustained advocacy by Rep.
Moore, who had pushed for Jackson’s freedom for several months through congressional hearings, media engagements, and direct discussions with senior Nigerian officials.
Moore said his efforts included meetings in Washington, D.C., as well as engagements during a U.S. congressional delegation visit to Nigeria. He described Jackson’s pardon as a positive development in U.S.–Nigeria relations, signaling a willingness by the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, to cooperate with the United States on concerns relating to the persecution of Christians.
“Sunday Jackson is free,” Moore said. “After more than a decade in prison serving a death sentence for defending himself, Sunday Jackson has been pardoned.”
He explained that Jackson, a Christian farmer, was attacked by an Islamic radical and acted in self-defense, resulting in the death of his attacker. Moore said he had consistently raised Jackson’s case both publicly and privately, including during his recent visit to Nigeria.
While acknowledging the progress, Moore noted that more work remains to be done. He expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s openness to constructive engagement with the United States, particularly on establishing a strategic security framework to address Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
The U.S. lawmaker also called on both federal and state authorities in Nigeria to ensure Jackson’s safety during and after his release.
“Our Lord came to set the captives free, and now Sunday will be able to celebrate Christmas with his family,” Moore said, describing the pardon as a moment of gratitude and hope.