‘Rape’: UNICAL Professor’s Bail Application For Hearing Monday

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned till Monday for continuation of trial and hearing of the bail application filed by the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Professor Cyril Ndifon and one Barrister Sunny Anyanwu.

The university don is standing trial for alleged sexual harassment and gratification charges against a female student, TKJ (not real name), and others.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had arraigned the university don for contravening Section 8 of the Corrupt Practices Act by “unethically and habitually requested/solicited and received sexual gratification cum pleasure in exchange for grades and mark upgrades from his female students.”

The duo pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Entering the witness box on Wednesday, an official of the ICPC, Lucy Ogechi, told the court that a forensic analysis on the phone of the defendant revealed nude photos of several contacts including that of the witness, TKJ.

At the resumption of trial on Thursday, Ogechi explained that while ICPC does not investigate rape cases, it is within its purview to investigate any kind of sexual harassment.

She insisted that the professor and the victim were in an inappropriate relationship because the latter needed admission.

After taking her testimony, Justice James Omotosho adjourned to February 5 for continuation of proceedings.

THE WHISTLER recalls that on October 4, 2023, the ICPC in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested the professor in Calabar, Cross River State, after he was alleged to have shunned several invitations extended to him.

The professor and his lawyer are still in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service.