The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Cyril Ndifon, to five years imprisonment without an option of fine for sexually harassing a female student and abusing his office.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) successfully proved the allegations in counts one and two beyond reasonable doubt. Ndifon received two years for the first count and five years for the second, both to run concurrently.
Co-Defendant Acquitted
In the same judgment, the court acquitted Ndifon’s former lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, who had been joined as a second defendant. Justice Omotosho ruled that the ICPC failed to establish Anyanwu’s involvement in the offences alleged in counts three and four.
Although Anyanwu was discharged, the judge criticised his conduct as “unprofessional,” noting that he improperly contacted a key witness during the pendency of the case.
Ndifon Abused His Office — Court
The court found that Ndifon exploited his position as Dean to pressure the victim—identified as TKJ—who sought admission into the university’s Law programme. Evidence showed that Ndifon asked the student to send him indecent photographs and demanded sexual favours, including oral sex, in exchange for admission.
Justice Omotosho condemned the professor’s behaviour in strong terms, describing him as a “sexual predator” and “a disgrace to the community of learned persons.”
“The 1st defendant abused his office. His randy nature should be condemned by all. He must face the wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent,”
— Justice Omotosho
The court also ruled that Ndifon was “not a witness of truth,” noting inconsistencies and contradictions in his defence.
Background of the Case
Ndifon was initially charged solely for sexual harassment, but ICPC later amended the charge to include Anyanwu, who allegedly attempted to obstruct justice by discouraging the star witness from cooperating with investigators.
The anti-corruption agency closed its case on February 14, 2024, after presenting four witnesses, including a forensic analyst. Both defendants filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed on March 6, 2024.
Ndifon later testified in his own defence, alongside a forensic analyst from the Office of the National Security Adviser, but the court found their evidence insufficient to counter the prosecution’s case.
Deterrence and Judicial Warning
Justice Omotosho emphasised that sexual exploitation by academic officials would not be tolerated, warning that public officers who prey on female students risk severe consequences.
