Abuja, Nigeria, April 4, 2025 – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has strongly condemned the death sentence imposed on Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Jos, who was found guilty of murdering a Fulani herdsman. The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, voiced his disapproval during the presentation of the commission's March human rights situation dashboard, urging the Plateau State Governor not to approve the execution.
Condemnation of Death Sentence
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the NHRC's stance against the death penalty, particularly in cases where there are concerns about fairness and justice. He called for a thorough review of Jackson's case to ensure that all legal processes were followed and that his rights were fully protected.
Other Rights Violations
In addition to the condemnation of the death sentence, the NHRC also addressed several other pressing human rights issues:
* Invasion of IKEDC Premises: The NHRC strongly condemned the invasion of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Agency (IKEDC) premises by officers of the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos State. Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as a pattern of human rights violations by uniformed personnel and called for a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
* Killing of Northern Hunters: The commission expressed concern over the killing of 16 northern hunters by vigilantes in Uromi, Edo State, emphasizing that every Nigerian has the right to life and should be allowed to enjoy it.
March Human Rights Situation Dashboard
The NHRC's March human rights situation dashboard revealed a total of 246,200 complaints received, an increase from February. Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the NHRC, noted a marginal increase of 20% in complaints.
Key Statistics from the Dashboard
The commission initiated and completed 12,545 investigations of complaints, visited 230 correctional centers and places of detention, and issued 465 summons and letters to the Nigerian Police. Additionally, 27 military formations were visited this year. Key issues highlighted in the report included:
* 88 kidnappings
* 221 killings
* 1,186 child abandonment cases
* 39 killings of security and law enforcement agents
Advisory Note on Rights to Expression
The event also featured the signing of an advisory note on rights to expression of human rights by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, underscoring the commission's commitment to protecting freedom of speech and expression.
The NHRC's condemnation of the death sentence for the Jos farmer, along with its concerns over other rights violations, underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting human rights in Nigeria. The commission's commitment to investigating complaints and advocating for justice remains crucial in addressing these issues and promoting a society where the rights of all individuals are respected and protected.