By Deborah Nnamdi
Justice James Omotosho of 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 for sexually harassing a female diploma student. The sentence carries no option of fine.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) successfully proved counts one and two against Ndifon beyond reasonable doubt. He handed the embattled academic a two-year sentence on count one and a five-year term on count two, to run concurrently.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted Ndifon’s former lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, who was listed as the second defendant. Justice Omotosho held that the ICPC failed to establish Anyanwu’s culpability in counts three and four, which alleged attempts to influence a witness.
The judge found that Ndifon abused his office by exerting undue pressure on the victim, identified as TKJ, who sought admission into the university. He said the professor could not counter the prosecution’s evidence that he requested pornographic images from the student and repeatedly asked her to perform sexual acts in exchange for admission assistance.
“The instances of undue advantage are so much. The 1st defendant abused his office,” the judge said, adding that Ndifon was “not a witness of truth.”
Although the court condemned Anyanwu’s conduct for calling a potential witness while representing Ndifon, it ruled that the act occurred months before the investigation began and did not amount to a provable offence.
Justice Omotosho issued a strong reprimand of Ndifon’s behaviour, describing him as a “sexual predator” whose conduct was disgraceful to the academic community. He said the sentence must serve as a deterrent to others who misuse public office to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The ICPC had earlier amended the charge on January 19, 2024, adding Anyanwu as a co-defendant after allegations emerged that he phoned the victim, urging her not to honour the commission’s invitation or submit a statement during the investigation.
Counts one and two accused Ndifon of demanding indecent photographs from the student and soliciting a sexual act in exchange for academic favour. He was also alleged to have harassed other female students by exploiting his position as dean.
After the prosecution closed its case in February 2024, the defendants filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence was insufficient. Justice Omotosho dismissed the application on March 6, 2024, clearing the way for the trial to proceed.
Ndifon later testified in his own defence, alongside a forensic analyst from the Office of the National Security Adviser.
With Monday’s judgment, the suspended dean will now serve his term as ordered, while Anyanwu walks free on all charges.
