Plateau State has closed a major chapter in the long-running case over the killing of University of Jos student Rinji Bala, as Chief Justice David Mann on Tuesday sentenced Sgt. Ruya Auta to death for culpable homicide.
Delivering the verdict at Plateau State High Court 1 in Jos, Mann ruled that Auta must face death by hanging or lethal injection, concluding that the prosecution had convincingly established responsibility for Bala’s killing. The judgment came after the court reviewed the full body of evidence and testimonies presented throughout the trial.
The court stressed that the decision was necessary to reinforce the rule of law and curb abuses of force by security agents, noting that accountability was essential in restoring public confidence. The ruling has been widely welcomed by many in the state who have followed the case since the incident occurred.
Bala, a 300-level student, was killed on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. He and two friends were stopped near the Hwolshe area of Jos, searched, and taken into custody despite no evidence implicating them in any wrongdoing. After being beaten and released, the young men were ordered to run; Bala was shot in the back moments later and died instantly.
Prosecuting counsel Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN), who obtained a fiat from the Plateau State Attorney-General to handle the case, said the outcome aligned with the facts. “The judgment was actually expected as the convict didn’t deny the offence, he, however, said it was accidental discharge. The prosecution was able to show that the convict had the intent of shooting the victim, as he was shot in the back on his waist,” Pwul stated. He noted that Auta is constitutionally free to appeal but said no such move has been communicated.
Rinji Bala’s father, Peter Bala, said no one celebrates another person’s death, but accepted that the law had taken its course. He added that he hopes the ruling will discourage reckless and negligent conduct by security personnel.
The judgment stands as a major statement on accountability and the protection of citizens’ rights in cases involving misuse of firearms by those in uniform.
