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

The ruling was delivered on Tuesday by the Chief Judge of Plateau State, Justice David Mann, at High Court 1. The court found the officer guilty of culpable homicide and ordered that he be executed by hanging.

Rinji Bala, a 300-level student of the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. He was in the Hwolshe area of Jos with two friends when they were stopped and detained by the police.

Court proceedings revealed that the three young men were searched and nothing incriminating was found. Despite this, they were beaten and later instructed to run after being released. As Rinji attempted to flee, the officer shot him from behind, killing him instantly.

Speaking after the verdict, the prosecuting counsel, Dr. Garba Pwul (SAN), noted that although the officer claimed the shooting was accidental, the evidence—showing the bullet entered from Rinji’s back—contradicted his defence.

Rinji’s father, Peter Bala, said he takes no joy in anyone’s death but believes justice has been served. He expressed hope that the judgment will discourage other security personnel from the reckless use of firearms.