Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of UNIJOS, was shot dead on May 12, 2020
A Plateau State High Court has handed a death sentence to Police Sergeant Ruya Auta for the killing of a University of Jos undergraduate, Rinji Bala.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, who ruled that the officer was guilty of culpable homicide and ordered execution by hanging.
Bala, a 300-level student, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 lockdown. He and two friends were arrested near the Hwolshe area of Jos. Court findings confirmed that the officers found nothing incriminating on the young men.
Despite that, they were beaten and later instructed to run. As Bala fled, Auta shot him from behind, killing him instantly.
Prosecuting counsel, Dr Garba Pwul (SAN), said the officer attempted to claim the shooting was accidental, but the evidence, particularly the entry point of the bullet, contradicted his defence.
Rinji’s father, Peter Bala, said he took no pleasure in the officer’s fate but noted that “the law has taken its course.” He expressed hope that the ruling would deter security personnel from reckless use of firearms.
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