The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), yesterday, appealed to Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, for leniency over the death penalty passed on Sunday Jackson by the Supreme Court, while faulting the circumstances leading to his conviction.

The Christian group said its attention had been drawn to a recent Supreme Court’s judgment which sentenced Jackson, a farmer from the state, to death by hanging for self-defence, “a decision we strongly believe is contrary to the provisions of Adamawa State Penal Code, Sections 23 and 24.”

In a statement issued by Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend Joseph Hayab and Secretary General, Bishop Mohammed Naga, the body noted: “Sunday Jackson was reportedly working on his farm when he was attacked by a group of criminals,” adding: “In an attempt to defend himself, he fought back, over-powered his attackers, which led to the death of one Ardo Bawuro.”

The northern Christian clerics said: “However, despite Sunday’s plea of self-defence, he was charged under Section 211 of the Adamawa State Penal Code Laws for intentionally killing the deceased and sentenced to death, which we consider a grave travesty of justice.

“Sunday was arraigned on 21-11-2018 on a one count charge of causing the death of one Ardo Bawuro by stabbing him with a knife thrice on the neck with the intention of causing his death. The knife, which Sunday used to stab Bawuroactually belonged to the same Ardo Bawuro that he had succeeded in collecting.” (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)