The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon. The arrest was made in connection with allegations of sexual assault.
The arrest was carried out in Calabar, Cross River State, based on a court order. The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) had sought the collaboration of the DSS on this matter as Prof. Ndifon had allegedly refused to honor several invitations from the ICPC.
Prof. Ndifon was suspended by UNICAL following a peaceful protest by students of the Faculty of Law. The students alleged that Prof. Ndifon was sexually molesting them. Since the protest, over 15 victims have spoken out and expressed their willingness to testify against the suspended Dean in court.
The suspension was conveyed in a letter by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe. According to the letter, the Vice Chancellor was not satisfied with Prof. Ndifon’s response to a query issued by the University Management. As a result, Prof. Ndifon was relieved of his position as Dean and placed on suspension while a panel is set up to investigate the allegations.
Prof. Ndifon has been directed to hand over all University property in his possession and all official responsibilities to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office. He has also been instructed to stay away from the University premises except when responding to an invitation from the panel investigating these allegations.
This is not the first time Prof. Ndifon has faced suspension from the University. He was previously suspended in 2015 following similar allegations but was later reinstated after police gave him a clean bill after investigation.