Court sentences UNICAL law dean Prof. Cyril Ndifon to five years for sexual harassment, abuse of office

Court sentences UNICAL law dean Prof. Cyril Ndifon to five years for sexual harassment, abuse of office

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), to five years’ imprisonment for sexual harassment and abuse of office, following a landmark ruling delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Monday.

Ndifon was convicted on two counts brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court found that the ICPC had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Ndifon, while serving as Dean, sexually harassed female students, including soliciting pornographic images and demanding sexual favors in exchange for admission into the law program.

Justice Omotosho sentenced Ndifon to two years on count one and five years on count two, to run concurrently, with no option of fine. The judge described Ndifon’s conduct as “a disgrace to the community of learned persons” and emphasized that the ruling should serve as a deterrent to public officers who exploit their positions for sexual misconduct.

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In contrast, Sunny Anyanwu, Ndifon’s lawyer and co-defendant, was discharged and acquitted of charges related to attempting to pervert the course of justice. The court ruled that Anyanwu’s alleged phone call to the star witness occurred months before the investigation began and lacked sufficient evidence to prove criminal intent. However, Justice Omotosho condemned Anyanwu’s unprofessional behavior.

The ICPC had amended the original charge in January 2024 to include Anyanwu, citing his alleged interference with the investigation. Despite a no-case submission filed by both defendants, the court proceeded with the trial, ultimately convicting Ndifon based on compelling testimony and forensic analysis.

This case has drawn national attention to the issue of sexual harassment in Nigerian universities, highlighting the need for stronger institutional safeguards and accountability for those in positions of power.

Court sentences UNICAL law dean Prof. Cyril Ndifon to five years for sexual harassment, abuse of office