By Victoria IKEANO, Lafia
Dr. Fred Ekpa Ayokhai, the associate professor in the department of History and International Relations of the Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, who last month along with his three children appeared before Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu on a six-count charge that include criminal conspiracy, kidnapping and assault, has not yet been suspended.
This was confirmed by the institution’s head of Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Abubakar Ibrahim in answer to a question posed to him by this correspondent. He also said that the university’s management would commence disciplinary measures against him at the appropriate time.
This correspondent had asked Mallam Ibrahim two whether Dr Aykhai had been suspended by the University and when the institution’s management is likely to start disciplinary procedure against him.
He replied, “The University has not suspended Dr. Fred Ayokhai”.
“The University can only start taking disciplinary action against Dr. Fred Ayokhai after investigations have been conducted by the investigating authorities and his case is determined by the court of law”.
Recall that the FULAFIA don and his three children had been arrested by personnel of the Nasarawa State Police Command, following a viral video that showed them assaulting a young lady in Lafia.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, AIG Adesina Soyemi speaking through the Command’s spokesman, DSP Ramhan Nansel, had stated that preliminary investigation revealed that Dr. Ayokhai’s daughter, Emmanuela Ayokhai “and the victim had a misunderstanding over a man named IG. The victim accused Emmanuela of snatching her supposed boyfriend and assaulted her. In retaliation Emmanuela mobilsed her family, went after the victim and got her assaulted as well”.
Management of FULAFIA while confirming that Dr. Ayokhai is a Lecturer in the University’s Department of History and International Relations, had disassociated itself from his action. A statement signed by Abubakar Ibrahim after the Police confirmed arrest of Dr. Ayokhai and his three children – Emmanuela Ayokhai, Bob Praise Ayokhai and Saint Dan Ayokhai — read in part: “The University wishes to assure the people that the unfortunate action exhibited by Dr. Ayokhai does not represent in the least, what should be expected from any member of staff of the University and his action is condemned in very strong terms by the University”.
The six charges slammed on Dr. Ayokhai and his three children when they appeared in court are, “criminal conspiracy, house breaking and criminal force or assault to woman with intent to outrage modesty, kidnapping and inflicting physical injury on another”. They are listed as offences under the penal code law of Northern Nigeria and Nasarawa State kidnapping (prohibition) law.
After their court appearance the case was assigned to Obi High Court for trial while all four accused persons were remanded in Lafia prison (Correctional Centre) pending their formal arraignment.
