source: twitter
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a major judgement in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched academic misconduct cases, sentencing the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon, to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
Prof. Ndifon, who made headlines in 2023 following his dramatic arrest by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) with support from the Department of State Services (DSS), was found guilty on multiple counts involving misconduct, corruption, and abuse of power.
The court’s verdict, delivered earlier today, brings an end to nearly two years of legal battles, protests by students, and widespread public outrage sparked by allegations that shook the Nigerian academic community. “Forensic Evidence, Victim’s Credible Testimony Unchallenged” Justice Omotosho, therefore, sentenced Ndifon to a two-year jail term in count one and a five-year imprisonment in count two, which must run concurrently.
Background of the Case
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ICPC had, in the amended charge dated Jan. 19, 2024, preferred four counts against Ndifon (1st defendant) and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu (2nd defendant) Prof. Ndifon was first suspended by the University of Calabar after several female students accused him of sexual harassment and exploitation. The situation escalated after a widely shared protest by law students in 2023, which prompted the ICPC to open an investigation.
Investigators later arrested him and uncovered additional evidence alleging misuse of office and unethical demands made of students under his authority. These findings formed the basis of the charges filed in court.
Charges and Conviction
The presiding judge found Prof. Ndifon guilty on two major counts:
- Sexual Harassment and Solicitation of Nude Materials
Evidence presented by prosecutors detailed instances where the professor allegedly demanded inappropriate content from students in exchange for academic favour. Witnesses, including victims, described repeated harassment that created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. - Official Corruption and Abuse of Office
The court also confirmed that Prof. Ndifon exploited his position as Dean to manipulate academic processes, exert undue influence over students, and engage in conduct that violated the ethics of the university and the laws governing civil servants.
In delivering the ruling, the judge emphasized that individuals entrusted with academic leadership must uphold the highest moral and professional standards, stating that Ndifon’s actions represented “a grave abuse of trust and a betrayal of the responsibilities of his office.”
No Option of Fine
The decision to deny the convict an option of fine underscores the severity of the offences. The court noted that such punishment was necessary both as a deterrent and as a strong statement against sexual misconduct and corruption in Nigeria’s institutions.
Prof. Ndifon will serve his sentence at a correctional facility in Abuja.
Reactions
The judgement has sparked widespread reactions on social media, especially among former and current students of UNICAL’s Faculty of Law. Many described the ruling as a victory for survivors and a step forward in the fight against academic harassment.
Advocacy groups have praised the court for setting a strong precedent and called for more universities to establish transparent reporting systems that protect students from predatory behaviour.
What This Means for UNICAL
The University of Calabar is expected to release an official statement in response to the court decision. The institution had already suspended the professor pending the outcome of the investigations.
This landmark judgement is likely to influence future policies around misconduct, ethics training, and accountability in tertiary institutions across Nigeria.