The Christian Association of Nigeria and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria have long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights of Christians across the country.
These organizations play a crucial role in defending and promoting the interests of Nigerian Christians in social and political spheres.
However, in recent years, both groups have faced growing criticism for their perceived inaction in engaging the government and defending Christians when critical situations arise.
This sentiment intensified following the Supreme Court’s March 7, 2025, ruling, which upheld the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a Christian farmer from Adamawa State.
Jackson’s case dates back to 2014 when he was attacked by a herdsman on his farm. In a desperate act of self-defense, he managed to overpower his assailant, seize his weapon, and ultimately use it against him.
The subsequent legal proceedings led to a 2021 verdict by a Yola High Court sentencing him to death by hanging.
The Supreme Court’s confirmation of this sentence has sparked outrage among human rights groups and Christian communities, who are now calling on CAN and PFN to take a more active stance in defending the rights of Christians across Nigeria.
Critics argue that both organizations need to intensify their advocacy efforts and engage more directly with the government on issues of justice and religious freedom.
Former Baptist pastor, Femi Popoola, expressed his concerns over the ruling, emphasizing that self-defense is a universally recognized legal right.
“CAN and PFN are limited in providing defense for Christians as the court should be the place to run to when there is injustice,” he said.
He further argued that if the ruling stands, it sends a troubling message that the Nigerian judiciary is enabling Fulani herders to oppress other Nigerians.
According to Popoola, the ruling implies that the Nigerian government supports the persecution of Christians, suggesting that “one cannot get justice in Nigeria if one does not belong to a particular ethnic group or religion.”
In response, he urged Christians to intensify prayers for the nation, its leaders, and the judicial system, which, in his view, has failed to uphold justice in Jackson’s case.
“In addition, CAN and PFN can resort to non-violent protests and advocacy for the attention of the international community. Lastly, the two Christian bodies can also take the matter to the courts outside the jurisdiction of Nigeria,” he added.
Similarly, Chidi Anthony, National President of the Pentecostal Ministers Forum (PFM), questioned the fairness of the Supreme Court’s judgment.
“The judicial system in this nation is like a coat of many colors,” he remarked, highlighting inconsistencies in Nigeria’s legal rulings.
He pointed out that the judiciary is meant to be the last hope of the common man. “So, you can’t understand the judicial system in this nation. We all believe that the judiciary is the hope of the common man. It’s where the poor will go and get justice. I don’t know when self-defense has been a very big crime in this nation,” he said.
Godwin Ayebe, convener of the Consumers Assembly, also weighed in, asserting that Jackson had every right to defend himself in a life-threatening situation.
“The fact that he managed to seize the knife and protect his life should not be ignored,” he said.
Ayebe criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, stating that it disregards the fundamental right to self-defense. “The Supreme Court’s judgment, confirming his death sentence, is repugnant to justice, equity, and fairness,” he added. “The decision fails to account for the circumstances of the attack and undermines the principles of justice that should guide such a case. The judgment seems to punish a victim for protecting his own life, which is deeply concerning.”
In a discussion on Arise TV, legal expert Emmanuel Ogebe described Jackson’s sentencing as a “miscarriage of justice” that demands urgent attention.
“This is really a sad day for Nigerians and their rights to self-defense. Sunday Jackson was defending his life against an armed attacker. This is clearly a case of persecution,” Ogebe stated.
A US-based human rights advocate who also featured on the program, William Delvin, noted that Jackson’s case has now drawn international attention. He emphasized that global human rights organizations will continue to monitor the situation.
“The Jackson issue is now an international case for human rights, and we are going to continue to advocate for him,” Delvin stated. He also referenced reports from Open Doors, a human rights organization, which has documented thousands of killings of Nigerian Christians by Fulani militants. “So, as a human rights advocate and pastor, I am here to advocate for this man who was totally innocent,” he added.
Jackson, a 29-year-old farmer and student from the Dong community in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was arrested in 2015 and charged with culpable homicide under Section 211 of the Penal Code.
During his trial, he admitted that his attacker had died in the struggle but insisted that he acted in self-defense. Despite his claims, the prosecution argued that his confessional statement was enough to secure a conviction.
Now, with the Supreme Court’s ruling sealing his fate, the case has become a rallying point for advocates of justice and religious freedom in Nigeria, with many demanding urgent intervention to prevent what they see as a grave miscarriage of justice.
