The Chief Justice of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, on Tuesday sentenced Sgt. Ruya Auta to death by hanging or lethal injection for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, bringing a major legal chapter in the case to a close.
Justice Mann delivered the judgment at Plateau State High Court 1 in Jos after finding the officer guilty of culpable homicide.
The decision followed a thorough evaluation of the prosecution’s evidence, witness accounts, and the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The court stressed that the ruling reinforces the rule of law and holds security personnel accountable for the unlawful use of firearms.
The verdict has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in Plateau State, who described it as a significant step toward restoring public confidence in the justice system.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), late Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, after he and two friends were arrested while taking a walk during the COVID-19 lockdown near the Hwolshe area of Jos.
Although no incriminating items were found on them, they were beaten and later ordered to run. It was at that moment that Rinji was shot from behind, leading to his instant death.
The case drew national attention as many demanded accountability and justice for the young student’s family.
Reacting to the judgment, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN), who received a fiat from the state’s Attorney General to lead the prosecution, said the decision reflects justice served.
He noted that while the convict admitted to firing the shot, he tried to claim it was accidental. The prosecution, however, proved that the shot was intentional.
Pwul added that although the defence has the constitutional right to appeal, there has been no communication yet regarding their next move.
Rinji’s father, Mr. Peter Bala, said no one would take pleasure in another person’s death but affirmed that the law must take its rightful course.
He expressed hope that the ruling would deter negligent conduct by armed security personnel and uphold citizens’ fundamental rights.
