Court sentences police sergeant to death for killing UNIJOS student

The Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, has delivered a landmark judgment in the long-running case surrounding the tragic killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, bringing a legal battle of over four years to a close.

On Tuesday, at High Court 1 in Jos, Justice Mann found Sgt. Ruya Auta guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced him to death by hanging or lethal injection, delivering justice for the victim and her family after years of anticipation.

The judgment followed a painstaking assessment of witness statements, forensic evidence, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

The court stressed that the sentence was necessary to reinforce the rule of law and curb unlawful use of force by security operatives.

The ruling has been widely welcomed across Plateau State, with many describing it as a long-awaited step toward rebuilding public trust in the justice system.

Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was killed on May 12, 2020.

He and two friends were arrested by security operatives near Hwolshe during the COVID-19 lockdown despite no incriminating items being found on them.

After they were beaten and later released, they were ordered to run. Bala was shot from behind and died on the spot, a killing that sparked outrage and widespread calls for accountability.

Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN), who led the prosecution after obtaining a fiat from the Plateau Attorney-General, said the judgment reflected the strength of the evidence presented.

He noted that while the convicted officer claimed the shooting was accidental, the prosecution proved intent, pointing out that the bullet struck the victim from behind.

Pwul added that although the defence has the constitutional right to appeal, no formal indication has been received.

Rinji’s father, Mr. Peter Bala, while reacting to the judgment, said no one takes joy in another person’s death but stressed that the law must take its natural course.

He expressed hope that the verdict would deter security personnel from reckless conduct.