Court Sentences Police Officer to Death for Killing UNIJOS Student in Plateau State

The Plateau State High Court has sentenced Police Officer Ruya Auta to death for killing UNIJOS student Rinji Bala on May 13, 2020. The court found Auta guilty of violating Bala's fundamental right to life.

The Plateau State Government, through counsel Garba Pwul, has been pursuing justice for the victim's family for five years. The court's judgment aims to serve as a deterrent against security forces' misuse of firearms.

The court also awarded a significant sum in damages to Bala's family for the violation of his right to life. The incident, where Bala was shot dead by a police officer attached to the STF, reopened old wounds for the victim's friend, Emmanuel Gyang.