The Chief Justice of Plateau, David Mann, has delivered judgement in the long-awaited case involving the killing of a university student, Rinji Bala, bringing a major legal chapter to a close.

Mr Mann, in a ruling delivered at the Plateau State High Court 1 on Tuesday in Jos, pronounced a death sentence by hanging or lethal injection on the convicted Sgt Ruya Auta, after finding him guilty of the charge of culpable homicide.

The decision followed a detailed review of evidence presented by the prosecution, witnesses’ testimonies, and the court’s own evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the case.

The court emphasised that the sentence was aimed at upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability, especially in cases involving unlawful use of force and firearms.

Stakeholders across the state have described the verdict as a significant step towards restoring public confidence in the justice system.

The late Mr Bala, a promising young man who was a 300-level student at the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, by Mr Auta, after he was taken into custody along with two of his friends near the Hwolshe area of Jos when they were strolling during the COVID-19 lockdown.

According to reports, Mr Rinji and his friends were apprehended, searched, and taken into custody, in spite of the fact that no incriminating evidence was found on any of them

After being beaten and released, they were told to run, at which point Mr Rinji was shot, leading to his immediate death.

The case has been closely followed since the tragic incident, with many calling for accountability and justice for Mr Rinji’s family.

The court’s ruling serves as a significant step in addressing the unlawful actions of security personnel and reinforces the importance of upholding citizens’ fundamental rights.

In his remarks, Garba Pwul (SAN), the prosecuting counsel, who applied for a fiat from Plateau’s attorney general to represent the state, said justice had been served.

“The judgement was actually expected, as the convict didn’t deny the offence; he, however, said it was accidental discharge.

“The prosecution was actually able to show that the convict had the intent of shooting the victim, as he was shot in the back on his waist,” he said.

When asked if the respondent would be appealing, he said they had a constitutional right to appeal, but so far, the prosecution counsel had not received any information about the respondent’s next steps.

Reacting to the judgement, Peter Bala, father to the late Mr Rinji, said that no sane person would celebrate the death of another human.

He, however, said the law had to take its course.

“The truth is the law is the law; that is all I can say,” Mr Bala concluded.

The grieving father also expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to negligent security personnel.

(NAN)