NIGERIA, ABUJA – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday sentenced the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Professor Cyril Osim Ndifon, to five years in prison after finding him guilty of sexual harassment, cybercrime, and abuse of office.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the conviction, which followed months of testimony, forensic analysis, and witness accounts presented by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The agency alleged that Ndifon exploited his position to demand pornographic and obscene images from a female diploma student identified as TKJ.
The court noted that Ndifon admitted during his defence that he sent money to TKJ on several occasions. According to ICPC filings tendered in court, the transactions supported the agency’s claim that he manipulated the student while leveraging his authority as Dean.
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ICPC prosecutors maintained that Ndifon repeatedly solicited indecent photographs through WhatsApp chats. A source close to the legal team, Barrister James Ibor, told reporters the conviction “reflects the court’s resolve to protect students from predatory behaviour within academic systems.”
Ndifon was tried on a four-count amended charge alongside his former attorney, Barrister Sunny Anyanwu. Prosecutors accused Anyanwu of attempting to obstruct justice by threatening a key witness. However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegation, and Anyanwu was discharged and acquitted.
Legal analysts say the judgment reinforces accountability standards within Nigeria’s universities. Vanguard News reported that the ruling is expected to guide future cases involving sexual misconduct, cybercrime, and administrative abuse in higher institutions.
The conviction marks one of the most significant legal outcomes in ongoing efforts to address power-based violations within tertiary education.