“IGP, AGF Exonerated Me” – UNICAL Law Professor Cyril Ndifon’s Defence In Sexual Harassment Case
Suspended University of Calabar (UNICAL) law professor Cyril Ndifon has opened his defence in an ongoing sexual harassment case brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The professor, formerly the dean of the Faculty of Law, testified as the first defence witness on Monday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces charges of sexual harassment and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The ICPC alleges that Prof. Ndifon, during his tenure as dean, requested obscene photographs from a female diploma student via WhatsApp and violated the ICPC Act. The commission also charged his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, accusing him of threatening a prosecution witness.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Despite their no-case submissions being dismissed, they were granted bail in February 2024, with Ndifon securing a ₦250 million bail and Anyanwu a ₦50 million bail.
Led by his counsel, Joe Agi, SAN, Ndifon recounted his suspension following allegations by the ICPC in August 2023. He described his arrest by ICPC and State Security Services operatives in Calabar over a 2015 incident where a student accused him of rape.
“The matter was reported to the police, and investigations at both the divisional and state levels exonerated me. It was escalated to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where the then Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, and later the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, reviewed the case and concluded I had no case to answer,” Ndifon testified.
He provided a police report to support his claim, which the court admitted as evidence despite the ICPC’s objection.
Ndifon suggested a potential bias from ICPC legal team member Adekunle Sogunle, who was involved in his initial investigation.
“I believe Sogunle has a personal interest in this case. He signed the first charge against me and later received an award from UNICAL, despite not being affiliated with the university,” he alleged, providing a photocopy of the award programme as evidence.
The professor also presented past accusations he faced, including an allegation of robbery and threats made by a former acting dean in 2018. He provided evidence of a police invitation regarding that matter, which the court admitted.
Additionally, Ndifon showcased photographs and certificates demonstrating the support he received from students upon his return to campus after previous accusations.
The ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, raised objections to some of the documents tendered but reserved detailed arguments for a final address.
The court admitted all exhibits presented, including police reports, photographs, and the alleged award program.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to January 14, 2025, for the continuation of the defence.
