Court Sentences Suspended UNICAL Law Dean, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, to Five Years in Prison for Sexual Harassment

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon, to five years in prison without the option of a fine after finding him guilty of sexual harassment.

Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgment on Monday, November 17, ruled that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) successfully proved counts one and two against Ndifon beyond reasonable doubt.

The court imposed two years imprisonment on count one and five years on count two, with both sentences to run concurrently.

Co-Defendant Acquitted

Justice Omotosho also discharged and acquitted Sunny Anyanwu, a lawyer who was initially part of Ndifon’s defence team. Anyanwu had been added as the second defendant after allegations that he attempted to influence the star witness.

However, the court held that the prosecution failed to establish any connection between him and the alleged offences in counts three and four.

Background of the Case

The ICPC had filed a four-count amended charge dated January 19, 2024, accusing Ndifon of:

• Sexually harassing female students, including requesting “pornographic and indecent photographs” from a diploma student identified as TKJ,
• Soliciting sexual acts—including demanding a “blow job”—in exchange for admission into the Law programme,
• Using his office to obtain undue advantage,
• Attempting, jointly with Anyanwu, to pervert the course of justice.

Anyanwu was separately accused of calling TKJ to dissuade her from cooperating with the investigation. But the court ruled that the call took place months before the investigation began and could not be tied to an attempt to obstruct justice.

Court’s Findings

In his ruling, Justice Omotosho noted that:

• Ndifon abused his office and took advantage of his position as Dean,
• The evidence showed a pattern of undue pressure on the victim,
• The court found Ndifon’s testimony unreliable.

“The instances of undue advantage are so much. The 1st defendant abused his office,” Omotosho said.

He added that Ndifon’s conduct was disgraceful:

“It was with dismay that I read through this case that a Dean of Law can turn himself into a sexual predator. He is a disgrace to the community of learned persons.”

The judge said the conviction should serve as a deterrent to public officers who exploit their positions.

What’s Next

Ndifon will begin serving his term immediately, while Anyanwu leaves the courtroom acquitted, though the judge condemned his professional misconduct in contacting a potential witness.