The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced the conviction of Prof. Cyril Osim Ndifon, former Dean of Law at the University of Calabar, for sexual harassment offences.
The Commission’s Spokesperson, Mr. John Okor Odey, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, describing the verdict as a watershed in Nigeria’s justice system.
Mr. Odey said the ruling affirms that “the rule of law will penetrate the deepest recesses of power and privilege, and that evidence-based prosecution can and will succeed regardless of status.”
He explained that the case, which began in 2023, witnessed several failed attempts by the defendant to delay the trial.
According to the statement, Deputy Director Ebenezer Shogunle confirmed that all efforts to frustrate the case were defeated by the Commission’s persistence.
Lead Prosecutor, Dr. Osubeni Akponiminsingha, detailed how Ndifon voluntarily granted access to his mobile device, enabling proper forensic documentation. The ICPC forensic expert, Mr. Bwaigu Fungo, later uncovered multiple instances—over 17—of illicit video requests sent to students and admission seekers.
The statement further revealed that the investigation exposed the absence of functional sexual harassment policies in many tertiary institutions.
Mr. Odey said the gap informed the Commission’s collaboration with Gender Mobile Initiative (GMI) to develop a national sexual harassment policy.
Ms. Omowunmi Ogunrotimi of GMI said the policy captures emerging digital forms of harassment, including nude image exchanges.
The ICPC also briefed media executives on the case. Mr. Adefolarin Adeniran of the National Media Group commended the engagement, describing it as crucial to public trust.
GMI is currently supporting 354 higher institutions in adopting the policy nationwide.
ICPC Secures Conviction of Ex-Unical Law Dean Ndifon, Introduces National Sexual Harassment Policy
