by Nwabueze Obadiah (Egalitarian omnist)
Sunday Jackson, a Christian, was sentenced to death in 2021 in Adamawa State after defending himself against an attempted killing by a Fulani herdsman. This case has provoked deep reflection on the disturbing flaws within Nigeria’s criminal justice system—one that appears increasingly inconsistent, selective, and riddled with structural deficiencies. These shortcomings are further compounded by unresolved tensions surrounding secularism, sectionalism, and the uneven application of the law, creating an environment in which religious persecution and grave injustices persist with alarming regularity.
In Nigeria, these challenges are particularly pronounced in regions governed by Sharia law and in areas with overwhelming religious dominance, raising serious concerns about the equal protection of rights for all citizens regardless of faith or background. Such conditions call for urgent and critical examination of how religion, governance, and justice intersect, and how these interactions continue to endanger lives and undermine public confidence in the rule of law. The situation underscores the pressing need for comprehensive reforms aimed at ensuring an equitable justice system that protects every Nigerian without discrimination.
Historically, countless Christians have lost their lives solely because of their faith, and tragically, justice remains elusive in many of these cases.
The persistent silence and inaction surrounding these atrocities have drawn serious concern from humanitarian bodies, human rights advocates, egalitarian organizations, and religious institutions worldwide. Below are notable cases that received international attention and highlight the disturbing pattern of faith-based violence and impunity:
Deborah Samuel Yakubu (May 2022): A second-year Christian student of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Sokoto, was brutally stoned to death and burned by a mob of fellow students for allegedly posting comments on a class WhatsApp group deemed blasphemous to Prophet Muhammad.
Rev. Yohanna Shuaibu (September 2021): Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, killed when a mob attacked his home in Massu village.
Bridget Agbahime (June 2016): A 74-year-old Christian woman and market trader murdered by a mob in Kano after being accused of blasphemy. The suspects were later released, sparking widespread outrage.
Eunice Olawale (July 2016): A Christian street evangelist killed by a mob in Abuja while preaching openly.
In all the above cases, the perpetrators were eventually released, discharged, and acquitted. These outcomes exemplify the pervasive culture of impunity that has taken root within the system. Too many injustices have occurred, yet society continues to look away.
In stark contrast, Rhoda Jatau was detained for 18 months in Bauchi State on charges of blasphemy simply for condemning the murder of Deborah Samuel. Meanwhile, Deborah Samuel’s killers were freed and their case dismissed. This contradiction lays bare the selective enforcement of justice and the disturbing double standards at play.
Although Nigeria claims to be a secular state, Christians in certain parts of the country are routinely denied freedom of worship and the right to practice their faith without fear. These faith-based killings are not unknown to the international community, making continued denial both dishonest and dangerous.
It has therefore become imperative to publicly and unequivocally condemn these gruesome acts of violence that have devastated communities and instilled widespread fear. Equally important is the need to revisit the numerous mistrials that have produced unjust outcomes and deepened public despair. Individuals wrongfully accused and subsequently discharged should face retrial in non-Sharia jurisdictions where impartiality and due process can be guaranteed.
As the saying goes, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Accountability is non-negotiable. In cases of faith-based killings, justice is vital not only to bring closure to grieving families but also to serve as a firm deterrent against religious extremism and the chauvinistic ideologies that fuel such violence. Allowing these crimes to go unpunished undermines Nigeria’s constitutional claim to secularism, weakens the nation’s moral foundation, and threatens peaceful coexistence among its diverse population.
The significance of the timely intervention by President Donald Trump in drawing international attention to these issues cannot be overstated. It underscored the urgency and gravity of the situation. In this context, the Nigerian President and his administration—often described as emerging from a so-called “Muslim–Muslim ticket” and facing sustained criticism—must adopt a more proactive, transparent, and demonstrably impartial approach to governance. Growing perceptions that policies and decisions are influenced by religious bias must be addressed decisively.
Ultimately, acknowledging the realities on ground rather than deflecting blame or denying evident injustices is essential. Such honesty would foster accountability, rebuild public trust, and open pathways for constructive dialogue and meaningful, lasting solutions that uphold justice, equity, and human dignity for all Nigerians.
Obadiah NWABUEZE, writes from Ibadan