Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday handed down a five-year prison sentence to Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), for sexual harassment, in a ruling that underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to hold public officials accountable for abuse of office.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho ruled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had successfully established Ndifon’s culpability in two counts of sexual harassment beyond reasonable doubt.
The court sentenced him to a two-year term on the first count and a five-year term on the second count, with both terms to run concurrently. The sentence carries no option of a fine.
Meanwhile, Sunny Anyanwu, Ndifon’s lawyer who was also charged in the case, was discharged and acquitted by the court.
The judge held that the ICPC had failed to link Anyanwu to the offences outlined in counts three and four of the amended charge.
Justice Omotosho highlighted that Ndifon had exploited his position as Dean to coerce a female diploma student, identified as TKJ, into sending indecent and explicit photographs via WhatsApp.
The professor allegedly requested sexual favours in exchange for assisting her admission into the law program.
“The instances of undue advantage are so many. The first defendant abused his office,” the judge remarked, stressing that Ndifon’s testimony lacked credibility and could not be relied upon by any reasonable court.
The judge further condemned Ndifon’s behavior as disgraceful, stating: “It was with dismay I read through this case that a Dean of Law can turn himself into a sexual predator.
His randy nature should be condemned by all. He is a disgrace to the community of learned persons and must face the full wrath of the law.”
While noting Ndifon was a first-time offender, Justice Omotosho said he considered the defence’s plea for leniency but affirmed that the seriousness of the offences warranted custodial punishment to serve as a deterrent to others in public office who may exploit their positions.
The ICPC initially charged Ndifon in January 2024, accusing him of sexually harassing female students and leveraging his authority as Dean for personal gratification.
Sunny Anyanwu was later added as a co-defendant, charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice by contacting TKJ to dissuade her from cooperating with investigators.
During proceedings, the court heard that Ndifon had solicited sexual acts from TKJ, while Anyanwu allegedly tried to influence the investigation.
After cross-examinations and a no-case submission, Justice Omotosho dismissed the no-case submission in March 2024, paving the way for the trial to continue.
Justice Omotosho’s judgment comes as part of broader efforts by the ICPC to address corruption and abuse of office in Nigeria’s educational and public sectors, sending a strong message about accountability and the protection of vulnerable students.
On the matter of Anyanwu, the judge noted that although the lawyer had contacted TKJ months before the investigation, there was insufficient evidence to prove any criminal intent.
Consequently, Anyanwu was acquitted on both counts against him, although his conduct in calling the witness was deemed unprofessional.
The ICPC, through its counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha, had closed its case against the defendants in February 2024, following the testimony of multiple witnesses, including forensic and intelligence analysts.
The commission maintained that Ndifon’s actions were a clear abuse of his official position and violated ethical and legal standards.
