The Chief Justice of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, has delivered a landmark judgment in the widely followed case of the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday at the Plateau State High Court 1 in Jos, brings a major legal chapter to an end, according to Very Nigerian.
Justice Mann sentenced Sgt. Ruya Auta to death by hanging or lethal injection after finding him guilty of culpable homicide. The decision was reached after the court reviewed the prosecution’s evidence, assessed witness statements and examined the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
The court stated that the sentence was necessary to reinforce accountability and uphold the rule of law, particularly in cases involving unlawful use of firearms by security personnel.
Across Plateau State, stakeholders have welcomed the verdict as a meaningful step toward restoring public trust in the justice system.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, late Rinji Bala, a 300 level student of the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020. He and two friends had been stopped near the Hwolshe area of Jos during the COVID 19 lockdown. Though nothing incriminating was found on them, they were taken into custody, beaten, and later released.
When ordered to run, Rinji was shot in the back by Sgt. Auta, resulting in his immediate death. The case has since drawn national attention and sparked calls for justice and reform in security conduct.
The latest ruling is seen as a decisive response to unlawful killings by security operatives and a reaffirmation of the protection of citizens’ rights.
Lead prosecuting counsel, Dr Garba Pwul (SAN), who received a fiat from the Plateau Attorney General to handle the case, said justice has been served. He noted that although the convict claimed the shooting was accidental, the prosecution proved that the victim was deliberately targeted.
Pwul explained that the bullet struck Rinji from behind at his waistline, contradicting claims of accidental discharge. He confirmed that Sgt. Auta has the constitutional right to appeal, though he had not yet been informed of any such decision.
Rinji’s father, Peter Bala, said no one takes joy in another person’s death, but added that the law must take its course. He expressed hope that the ruling will deter future misconduct among security agencies.
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