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Policeman Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Killing UNIJOS Student
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The Chief Justice of Plateau Justice David Mann has delivered judgment in the long-awaited case involving the killing of a university student, Rinji Bala, bringing a major legal chapter to a close.
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 found him guilty of the charge of culpable homicide.
The decision followed a detailed review of the prosecution’s evidence, witnesses’ testimonies, and the court’s evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the case.
The court emphasised that the sentence was intended to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability, especially in cases involving the 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 News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that late Rinji Bala, a promising young man who was a 300 level student at the University of Jos, was shot dead on May 12, 2020, by 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, Bala and his friends were apprehended, searched, and taken into custody despite no incriminating evidence being found on any of them.
After being beaten and released, they were told to run, at which point 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 Bala’s family.
The court’s ruling represents a significant step toward addressing unlawful actions by security personnel and underscores the importance of upholding citizens’ fundamental rights.
In his remarks, Dr 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 judgment 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 whether the respondent would appeal, 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 judgment, Mr Peter Bala, father of the late 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,” Bala concluded.
The grieving father also expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to negligent security personnel.
Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.
Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.
While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.
The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.
He was Chairman of the Nigeria–United Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.
“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.
“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.
“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.
He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.
A member of the House of Representatives from Kaduna North and Chairman, Committee on Banking Regulations, Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, has disclosed that his father, Nasir El-Rufai’s continued detention shows that Nigeria’s democratic journey is far from complete.
Bello noted that democracy can only thrive in Nigeria when the country’s leadership is accountable.
El-Rufai has been in custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, since he was arrested at the Abuja airport earlier in the year.
The commission had arraigned him for corruption while he was governor of Kaduna State.
However, posting on X, Bello wrote: “Today, we celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the collective voice of the Nigerian people. Democracy thrives when leadership is accountable, citizens are empowered, and every voice is heard.
“As we commemorate this important day, we must also acknowledge that while our democracy continues to endure, the abuse of citizens’ rights remains a troubling reality.
“The true test of any democracy is not simply the conduct of elections, but its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
“The continued unlawful detention of my father, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, alongside the experiences of many other Nigerians who have faced similar violations, serves as a reminder that our democratic journey is far from complete.
“On this Democracy Day, let us recommit ourselves to building a nation where justice prevails, institutions are strengthened, and the rights of every citizen are respected and protected.”
The National Leader of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Senator Seriake Dickson, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, amid recent crises in the party.
Dickson made this known in a statement on his official X handle, revealing that the meeting, which lasted nearly three hours, was attended by Obi and other senior party leaders.
“I just received my brother, colleague, and partner in the New Nigerian Project, His Excellency Mr Peter Gregory Obi, CON, our presidential candidate, who, together with some distinguished leaders of our party, held a closed-door meeting which lasted about three hours.
“In the course of that meeting, we reviewed the activities of our party and discussed a few recent issues that have been a source of concern to all sides, and we amicably resolved all the issues.
“We have always been on the same page on the bigger picture, i.e., winning the elections for all candidates of our party and rescuing Nigeria from the misgovernance of the APC-led government. However, a few issues have arisen, and we have agreed on how to handle them moving forward.
“I want to use this opportunity again to call on all members of our party to stop the bickering and name-calling and focus on the bigger picture.
“Both His Excellency Peter Obi and I, as well as other leaders and stakeholders of our party, will continue to consult and engage with one another to address and resolve concerns, strengthen the unity and cohesion of our party, and ensure that we remain focused on our shared mission of rescuing Nigeria and building a better future for all.”
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