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In a significant development, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), has a case to answer in the allegations of sexual harassment leveled against him. The court’s decision, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, rejected Ndifon’s plea to be discharged and acquitted, ordering him and his lawyer, Mr. Sunny Anyanwu, to prepare their defense against the charges.
Ndifon and Anyanwu are facing a four-count amended charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges stem from accusations of attempting to pervert the course of justice related to allegations of sexual harassment.
After the prosecution presented evidence from four witnesses, Ndifon and Anyanwu filed a no-case submission, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient to warrant them to enter a defense. However, Justice Omotosho dismissed their application, stating that the prosecution had raised issues requiring further explanation from the defendants.
The court held that the evidence presented by the prosecution, including messages soliciting nude photos from a female student and attempts to interfere with the investigation, established a prima facie case against the defendants. While emphasizing that the ruling did not equate to a finding of guilt, Justice Omotosho ordered Ndifon and Anyanwu to provide explanations for the allegations against them.
In a separate development, Justice Omotosho varied Ndifon’s bail conditions, allowing two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Victor Ndoma-Egba and Okon Efut, to stand as sureties for him. This decision followed Ndifon’s inability to meet the original bail conditions set by the court.
Despite the modification of bail terms, Ndifon remains under legal scrutiny as the court adjourned the case to March 12 for the defendants to present their defense. The ruling underscores the seriousness with which the court views allegations of sexual harassment and attempts to obstruct justice, signaling a commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of victims.
