Justice for Rinji: Sgt. Auta Sentenced to Death Over 2020 Killing of UNIJOS Student

Justice for Rinji: Sgt. Auta Sentenced to Death Over 2020 Killing of UNIJOS Student
Rinji Bala was a 300-level student of the University of Jos, and was shot dead on May 12, 2020
Rinji’s Father said he was not celebrating the officer’s fate, but was relieved that justice had been served

A Plateau State High Court sitting in Jos has sentenced a police officer, Sergeant Ruya Auta, to death for the killing of University of Jos student, Rinji Bala.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the ruling was delivered on Tuesday by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, at High Court 1, where the officer was found guilty of culpable homicide and ordered to be executed by hanging.

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Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. He and two friends had been arrested near the Hwolshe area of Jos, where they were searched and found to be carrying nothing illegal.

Despite their innocence, they were beaten and later asked to run. As Rinji fled, he was shot from behind by Sgt. Auta and died on the spot.

Justice for Rinji: Sgt. Auta Sentenced to Death Over 2020 Killing of UNIJOS Student

Speaking after the judgment, prosecuting counsel Dr Garba Pwul (SAN) said the officer’s claim that the shooting was accidental was disproved by evidence showing Rinji was shot in the back.

Rinji’s father, Peter Bala, while reacting to the judgment, said he was not celebrating the officer’s fate but was relieved that justice had been served.

“No sane person celebrates the death of another person, but the law has taken its course,” he said, expressing hope that the ruling will deter security operatives from reckless use of firearms.