ICPC Hails Law Professor’s Conviction as Landmark Victory Against Sexual Abuse in Nigeria

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described the conviction of Prof. Cyril Ndifon as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s efforts to combat sexual misconduct, abuse of office, and impunity.

ICPC spokesperson, Mr. Okor Odey, stated this during a press briefing held to clarify details of the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

On November 18, the court sentenced Ndifon—suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL)—to five years in prison for sexual harassment.

Odey described the ruling in the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria vs. Prof. Cyril Ndifon as “an exceptional outcome,” emphasizing that it reinforces the principle that the rule of law applies to everyone, regardless of position or privilege.

“It is also a declaration that the rule of law would penetrate the deepest recesses of privilege and authority.
The judgment is also an indictment of the culture of impunity that allows predators to hide within trusted institutions,” he said.

He added that the conviction reflects the commission’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring accountability for those who misuse their positions.

According to him, the ruling confirms that public office is not a licence for exploitation, stressing that institutions must safeguard the innocent rather than shield offenders. He said the court’s findings set a strong legal and moral tone for improved accountability in the country.

Odey explained that Ndifon was convicted on Count 1 for violating Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, after being found guilty of inducing a student, referred to as Miss TKJ, to send inappropriate images to him.

He added that the professor was also convicted on Count 2 for violating Section 19 of the ICPC Act, 2000, after the court determined that he corruptly used his office to solicit such images from the student under the false promise of university admission.

However, the second defendant, lawyer Mr. Sunny Anyanwu, was acquitted on Counts 3 and 4, which related to allegedly threatening a witness and conspiracy to obstruct justice. The court ruled that although a call took place, its intent was not proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Odey described the split decision as a reminder that while strong evidence can bring powerful individuals to justice, the commission will always uphold strict standards of proof to avoid wrongful prosecution.

He said the court’s findings shed light on patterns of predatory behaviour and exploitation of power imbalances, as outlined in the victim’s testimony. The judge also noted evidence showing that Ndifon continued to make inappropriate demands even during a period when the victim was caring for her sick mother.

According to Odey, the judge labelled the professor a “sexual predator” and “a disgrace to the community of learned persons,” adding that he showed no remorse and instead sought to divert blame.

He said the investigation began after student protests against Ndifon went viral, leading to a formal petition submitted on September 15, 2023. Digital forensic analysis of the defendants’ phones—collected with consent—provided critical evidence, including WhatsApp messages that supported the victim’s claims.

Ndifon was arrested on October 4, 2023, with assistance from the DSS after failing to honour the commission’s invitation. Odey stressed that all investigative steps fully respected the defendants’ rights.

He noted that the court’s acceptance of the forensic evidence validated the commission’s investigative process and demonstrated that credible evidence is essential to establishing complex offences.

Beyond the conviction, Odey said the judgment offers hope to survivors of harassment, noting that the court ordered permanent protection of the victim’s identity through the pseudonym “TKJ.”

He praised the victim’s bravery, noting that the judge described her as a “shining example” for others, while referencing Lord Denning’s observation that progress sometimes requires unprecedented action.

Odey thanked the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and partner NGOs for their support throughout the investigation and prosecution.

He added that ICPC will extend efforts nationwide—particularly in academic institutions and workplaces—to ensure that individuals who misuse authority face the full weight of the law.

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