US Lawmaker, Riley Moore Reacts, As A Nigerian Christian, Sunday Jackson Who Killed Herder Is Freed

SportifypostDec 24, 2025Read original

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has welcomed the release of Sunday Jackson, a Nigerian farmer who had been sentenced to death over the killing of a Fulani herdsman during an incident he maintained was an act of self-defence after his home was attacked. Jackson’s freedom followed a pardon granted by the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

Moore has been a vocal advocate for Jackson over several months, repeatedly drawing attention to the case during congressional hearings, media engagements, and private discussions with senior Nigerian officials. His advocacy reportedly included meetings held in Washington, D.C., as well as engagements during a congressional delegation visit to Nigeria.

The congressman described Jackson’s release as a constructive step in U.S.–Nigeria relations, suggesting that it reflects a readiness on the part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to engage with the United States on concerns relating to religious freedom and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Following the development, Moore issued a statement expressing his satisfaction with the outcome.

He said, “Sunday Jackson is free! After more than a decade in prison serving a death sentence for defending himself, Sunday Jackson has been pardoned. Sunday is a Christian farmer who, like countless of other Christians in Nigeria, was brutally attacked by an Islamic radical. Sunday fought back in self-defense, killing his attacker. I have been advocating for Sunday’s release both in public and in private meetings, including during my recent Congressional Delegation visit to Nigeria.”

He went on to note that while significant work still lies ahead, recent developments suggest that both his own concerns and those earlier raised by President Trump are receiving serious attention from the Nigerian authorities.

He acknowledged President Tinubu for his administration’s openness to sustained, constructive engagement with the United States government, particularly on the development of a strategic security partnership aimed at addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

He also stressed that authorities at both the federal and state levels have a responsibility to guarantee Sunday’s safety, not only during his release but in the period that follows.

He added that the mission of Christ was to bring freedom to those held in bondage, and with Sunday’s release, he would now be able to reunite with his family and celebrate Christmas. He concluded by expressing gratitude to God for the outcome.