Policeman Sentenced to Death by Hanging for killing UNIJOS Student

• A Plateau High Court has sentenced Sgt. Ruya Auta to death for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, ruling that accountability must be upheld in cases of unlawful force by security personnel.

A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has sentenced police officer, Sgt. Ruya Auta, to death by hanging or lethal injection for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala, in 2020.

Delivering the judgment on Tuesday, the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, found the officer guilty of culpable homicide after reviewing prosecution evidence and witness testimonies.

Justice Mann said the conviction was necessary to uphold the rule of law, noting that cases of excessive or unlawful force by security personnel must attract consequences. Stakeholders have described the ruling as a significant step toward restoring trust in the justice system.

According to reports, Bala, a 300-level student, was shot on May 12, 2020, shortly after he and two friends were detained during the COVID-19 lockdown near the Hwolshe area of Jos. Although nothing incriminating was found, they were beaten and later released, but as they ran, Bala was shot from behind, leading to his death.

The case drew widespread public attention, with civil society groups, student unions, and human rights advocates demanding justice.

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Prosecuting counsel, Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN), said the court’s decision had delivered justice. He noted that the claim of “accidental discharge” was disproven, adding: “The prosecution was able to show that the convict had the intent of shooting the victim, as he was shot in the back.”

The defence still has the right to appeal the ruling, though no decision has been announced yet.

Speaking after the judgment, the victim’s father, Peter Bala, said he felt no joy in the outcome but accepted it as the lawful consequence of the crime. “No sane person would celebrate the death of another human. The law is the law; that is all I can say,” he stated.