The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has hailed the conviction of Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, as a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against sexual offences, abuse of office, and impunity. According to ICPC spokesperson, Okor Odey, the Federal High Court’s judgment marks a watershed moment in the country’s efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions.
On November 18, the court sentenced Ndifon to five years in prison for sexual harassment, after finding him guilty of violating the Cybercrime Act and the ICPC Act. The court determined that Ndifon had used his office to solicit nude visuals from a student, identified as Miss TKJ, in exchange for a false promise of university admission. The student had narrated how the professor groomed her, posing as a father figure, before escalating boundary violations and eventually sexually assaulting her.
The ICPC’s investigation began after student protests against the professor went viral, leading to the submission of a formal petition on September 15, 2023. Critical evidence was obtained through digital forensics, including WhatsApp chats that corroborated the victim’s testimony. Ndifon’s arrest was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) after he failed to honour the commission’s invitation.
The court’s decision has been praised for its significance in holding powerful individuals accountable and providing a new era of accountability. The ICPC spokesperson noted that the judgment sends a message of hope to victims of sexual harassment and abuse of power, and reinforces the principle that relevant evidence is essential in proving complex offences beyond reasonable doubt. The commission has assured that it will carry the momentum of the conviction into universities and workplaces nationwide, warning that those who abuse their authority will not escape the reach of the law.
The conviction has also been commended by the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the Nigerian Bar Association, and partner NGOs, who supported the commission throughout the investigation and prosecution. The ICPC has expressed appreciation for the courage of the victim, who has been described as a “shining example” for others experiencing harassment. The commission’s efforts to protect the victim’s identity and ensure a fair trial have also been recognized, with the court deciding to protect her identity in perpetuity under the pseudonym “TKJ”.