The suspended dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, Cyril Ndifon, who is facing a 14-count charge of sexual harassment, should be brought to court without delay, a former EFCC prosecutor has said.
Nkereuwem Abraham, who worked with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said the case was a high-profile matter that deserved urgent attention.
Former EFCC prosecutor said the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) should arraign Mr Ndifon as soon as possible, after he was arrested by the State Security Service (SSS) in October.
Mr Ndifon was accused of sexually harassing some law students at the university. He was arrested by the SSS in collaboration with the ICPC, after he ignored several invitations from the security agencies.
Mr Abraham said in an interview on Thursday that the charge against Mr Ndifon was not enough, unless he was arraigned and tried in accordance with the constitutional provisions.
He said the case was a sensitive one, involving a senior academic from a citadel of learning, and the prosecution must commence speedy trial to clear the air.
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“This is a high-profile professional and criminal act allegedly perpetrated by the defendant, and so, the case must be given the attention it deserves. I urge the ICPC to, as a matter of urgency, arraign the former dean of the faculty of law at the University of Calabar,” Former EFCC prosecutor said.
Mr Abraham also said it was unlawful to keep any suspect in custody for a long time without bringing him before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“No suspect deserves to be kept in perpetuity because a charge has been filed against him without arraignment. Matters of this nature should ordinarily be given urgent attention to erase doubts as to the prosecutory prowess of anti-graft agencies,” he said.
He added, “The sooner the trial of the defendant commences, the better and more commendable it is for the judiciary and the rule of law. I, therefore, call on the anti-graft agency to move speedily and ensure that the defendant is brought properly before the court, as this will repose public confidence in the system.”