A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), to five years’ imprisonment without an option of fine, on Monday.
The conviction follows a multi-year legal battle involving allegations of sexual harassment, cybercrime, and attempts to obstruct justice, charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon, previously the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Pulse+2TheCable+2
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged him with sexual harassment, cybercrime, and perverting the course of justice. Among the most shocking allegations: he allegedly requested “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs” from a female student via WhatsApp. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2TheCable+2 The court found him guilty on two of four counts, with sentences that run concurrently. TheCable+1
In delivering the judgment, Justice James Omotosho described Ndifon’s actions as a gross abuse of power, calling out how a dean of law — someone who should model justice and integrity — turned himself into a “sexual predator.” Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2TheCable+2
But cynics will ask: Will this really change anything? Or will it just be a headline, while systemic problems remain? That depends on whether UNICAL and other universities back up this moment with real action — not just words.
The conviction follows a multi-year legal battle involving allegations of sexual harassment, cybercrime, and attempts to obstruct justice, charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Background of the Case
Prof. Ndifon faced a four-count charge filed by the ICPC. The allegations included sexual harassment of a female diploma student, requesting indecent photographs through WhatsApp, and involvement in actions aimed at perverting the course of justice. His co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, his former lawyer, was accused of threatening a key witness during the trial.Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon, previously the Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has been sentenced to five years in prison following his conviction by a Federal High Court in Abuja. Pulse+2TheCable+2
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) charged him with sexual harassment, cybercrime, and perverting the course of justice. Among the most shocking allegations: he allegedly requested “pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs” from a female student via WhatsApp. Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2TheCable+2 The court found him guilty on two of four counts, with sentences that run concurrently. TheCable+1
In delivering the judgment, Justice James Omotosho described Ndifon’s actions as a gross abuse of power, calling out how a dean of law — someone who should model justice and integrity — turned himself into a “sexual predator.” Independent Newspaper Nigeria+2TheCable+2
Why This Is a Big Deal
- Accountability in Academia
This conviction is being seen as a major precedent. For years, there have been allegations about abuse of authority by powerful lecturers — Ndifon’s sentence signals that the justice system might finally be catching up. Nigeria News Today+2Pulse+2 - Student Safety & Power Dynamics
The case highlights the sheer vulnerability of students (especially female students) to lecturers who hold disproportionate power. When academic titles are misused, it creates a toxic environment. - Public Trust
Universities ought to be zones of learning, not exploitation. This conviction could help rebuild trust — but only if institutions follow through with structural reforms (reporting systems, protection policies, etc.).
A Troubled History
- Ndifon was suspended in 2023 by UNICAL following students’ protests accusing him of sexual harassment. Leadership News+1
- This is not his first scandal: as far back as 2015, he faced serious accusations — including rape — from a student. ejournals.asuu.org.ng
- During his bail application earlier this year, he was remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre. Independent Newspaper Nigeria
What This Means Going Forward
This verdict could mark a turning point. If institutions begin to take harassment seriously — and if the law continues to treat misconduct by academics with the gravity it deserves — we might finally see a culture shift in our universities.But cynics will ask: Will this really change anything? Or will it just be a headline, while systemic problems remain? That depends on whether UNICAL and other universities back up this moment with real action — not just words.