Dr Ayokahi had been in detention at the Nigeria Correctional Services in Lafia since October 22, 2022. The lecturer had been arraigned alongside Emmanuella Ayokahi, Bob-Praise Ayokahi, and Saint-Dan Ayokahsas as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants, who are all his children, while one accomplice is still at large.
The defence counsel, Barr. A. U. Idris, had approached the court for a plea bargain after his clients pleaded guilty to the crime. It was gathered that both parties consented to the plea bargain agreement and charges against the 1st and the 4th defendants were amended.
The convict and the 2nd to 4th defendants were previously charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy and physical assault with canes and sticks, contrary to sections 96 and 264 and punishable under sections 97 and 265 of the Penal Code, Laws of Northern Nigeria, 1963, respectively.
Presiding over the matter on April 20, 2023, Justice S. W. Ayenajeh convicted the 1st defendant and sentenced him to jail for six months for criminal conspiracy and another six months for assault. The judge, however, said the sentence would run concurrently in consideration of his plea.
Justice Ayenajeh said that the six months period, during which Dr Fred had been in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service, would be reckoned with. He added that consequent upon the plea bargain and taking into cognisance the ages of his children, the 2nd to 4th defendants would keep the premises of the Nasarawa State High Court of Justice clean for six months, while the third defendant was admonished to shave his dreadlocks.
Dr Ayokahi thanked His Lordship and the parties in the matter for the consideration and the leniency accorded him. The convict, however, drew the attention of the court that, as a father and teacher in the federal institution, he was not and has never been found wanting in the discharge of his duties, adding that he had taken further steps to compensate the victim, Blessing Mathias, as part of his consent for the plea bargain.
The prosecuting counsel and the State Attorney-General, Abdulkarim Abubakar Kana, said that the step taken by the government was to provide the defendant with a second chance in life, particularly for his children.
The sentencing of Dr Ayokahi has sparked widespread debate across the country, with many calling for stricter punishment for the crime committed. Some have argued that the sentence handed down was too lenient, considering the severity of the offence.
Speaking on the matter, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Tony Ojukwu, said that the Commission would review the case to ensure that justice is served. He added that the Commission would also work with the relevant authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has condemned the sentence, describing it as a slap on the wrist. In a statement issued by its President, Sunday Asefon, the association called for a review