The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sentenced Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), to five years’ imprisonment for sexually harassing female students.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after holding that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) proved counts one and two against Ndifon beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court imposed a two-year sentence on count one and five years on count two, to run concurrently.
Ndifon’s co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, a member of his defence team, was discharged and acquitted on all counts due to insufficient evidence linking him to the alleged offences.
The ICPC had, in an amended charge filed on January 19, 2024, accused Ndifon and Anyanwu of sexual harassment and attempts to obstruct justice.
READ ALSO: Tears in Court as Civil Defence Officer Pleads Guilty to ₦1.7m Misappropriation
Anyanwu was added to the case after he allegedly phoned a star witness, identified as TKJ, warning her against cooperating with investigators.
The court, however, ruled that the call occurred months before the investigation began and could not establish intent to interfere with justice.
Background
According to the prosecution, Ndifon abused his office as Dean by demanding obscene photographs and sexual favours from female students, including TKJ, a Diploma student who sought admission into the Law programme.
The ICPC said he pressured the student to send indecent images via WhatsApp and demanded oral sex as a condition for her admission.
READ ALSO: Court Dismisses Dangote Refinery’s ₦100bn Suit Against NNPCL, Others
The prosecution closed its case on February 14, 2024. A no-case submission filed by the defendants was rejected on March 6, 2024, prompting the defence to open its case.
Ndifon testified in his own defence, while a forensic analyst from the Office of the National Security Adviser, CSP Babagana Mingali, also appeared for him.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho condemned Ndifon’s conduct, describing him as a “sexual predator” who brought disgrace to the academic and legal profession.
He said the sentence should serve as a warning to public officers who exploit their positions to prey on vulnerable individuals.
Although Anyanwu walked free, the judge criticised his conduct, calling his decision to contact a potential witness “unprofessional.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
