ICPC Files Criminal Charges Against Suspended UNICAL Professor for Alleged Misconduct

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has taken legal action against Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). This follows the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by ICPC into allegations of gross misconduct made against the professor by some of his students.

Professor Ndifon, a Senior Lecturer at UNICAL, faces a four-count charge that includes accusations of sexual harassment, official corruption, and abuse of office. These charges are in violation of sections 8, 18, and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

One of the counts specifies that Professor Cyril Ndifon, between June and September 2023 in Calabar, while serving as a public officer responsible for certifying students’ fitness in learning and character, allegedly misused his position as the Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL. He is accused of soliciting nude photographs and videos from a second-year diploma student, identified as “Ms. ABC” (a pseudonym), through WhatsApp chats on his phone, bearing the number 0803***. This act is alleged to be in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The legal proceedings against Professor Ndifon will be scheduled by the court at a later date.

It is worth noting that Professor Ndifon’s arrest took place on October 4, 2023, in Calabar, Cross River State. The arrest came after he repeatedly ignored several invitations extended to him by ICPC, in cooperation with the Department of State Services (DSS).

The charges against Professor Ndifon are a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct within the academic institution. The legal process will determine the outcome of this case and whether the suspended professor will face consequences for his actions.