Professor Cyril Ndifon, the dean of law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), who is currently suspended, was ordered by the Federal High Court in Abuja to be detained in Kuje prison.
The professor pleaded not guilty to sexual harassment charges brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
The ICPC, represented by lawyer Ebenezer Shogunle, lodged a case against Mr. Ndifon on October 30, 2023. The charges include allegations of soliciting nude photos and videos from female students and requesting to see photos of a 16-year-old prospective student as an inducement for admission consideration, among others. All these acts were allegedly committed while Mr. Ndifon was a public officer responsible for certifying students’ suitability in learning and character.
After the charges were read, Mr. Ndifon denied all the counts. His lawyer, Okon Efut, submitted a bail application on health grounds, stating that Mr. Ndifon was due for eye surgery on glaucoma. He also mentioned that Mr. Ndifon was granted bail by the magistrate court in Calabar on October 27, 2023, due to his health condition.
However, the ICPC lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, objected to the bail application. He alleged that one of Mr. Ndifon’s lawyers, Sunny Anyanwu, had threatened the commission’s main witness over the phone. Mr. Anyanwu admitted to calling Tochi Kanu, but stated that the person he called was not among the four witnesses listed in the charge and proof of evidence.
He also mentioned that Mr. Ndifon was his lecturer and that he came to defend him or support the defence.
Justice Omotosho asked Mr. Anyanwu to file an affidavit of facts for the court to decide on the issue. He also questioned why Mr. Ndifon had not undergone the surgery since he was granted bail. Mr. Akponimisingha responded that the medical report was served late, and they were still verifying its authenticity.
Finally, Justice Omotosho ordered Mr. Ndifon to be held in Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until January 10 for the bail application hearing and for Mr. Anyanwu to file the affidavit of facts. (NAN)