The Digest:
The Plateau State High Court has sentenced Police Sergeant Ruya Auta to death by hanging or lethal injection for the culpable homicide of Rinji Bala, a 300-level student at the University of Jos, who was fatally shot while in custody during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Justice David Mann emphasized that the ruling aims to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability for the unlawful use of force by security personnel.
Key Points:
- Sgt. Ruya Auta was convicted and sentenced to death for killing student Rinji Bala in 2020
- The victim was shot in the back after being detained, searched, and released during the lockdown
- The court rejected Auta’s claim of “accidental discharge,” citing evidence of intent
- Prosecuting counsel Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN) said justice was served in the landmark case
- Rinji’s father, Peter Bala, expressed hope that the ruling would deter security force abuses
- The judgment followed a detailed review of witness testimonies and forensic evidence
- The case highlights ongoing tensions over police brutality and extrajudicial killings
Sources: Daily Trust
