UNICAL Scandal: ICPC Reads Riot Act to Sexual Predators in High Places
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described the recent conviction of Professor Cyril Ndifon, former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), for sexual offences as a decisive warning to predators operating in schools, offices, and higher institutions.
ICPC spokesperson and Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. Okor Odey, delivered the message on Friday in Abuja while presenting the detailed facts of the case to Journalists.
Mr. Odey noted that the verdict represents a watershed moment for the Commission and for Nigeria’s broader pursuit of justice. He emphasized that the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja is more than the conclusion of a trial rather, it is a powerful declaration that the rule of law can and will penetrate even the most entrenched circles of power and privilege.
He stressed that the ruling lays bare the corrosive culture of impunity that has allowed sexual predators to operate within some of the nation’s most trusted institutions. According to him, “This judgement is not the conclusion of a single, albeit grievous, legal battle.
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“It is a clear and unequivocal signal of this Commission’s unwavering resolve to protect the vulnerable, dismantle corrupt systems, and hold powerful individuals accountable for their actions, no matter their status or title, as no one is beyond the law.
“It affirms that the trust placed in public officials is not a license for exploitation, and that the walls of our institutions must be shields for the innocent, not sanctuaries for predators.”
Mr. Odey further urged the public to understand the gravity of the court’s decision, describing it as both a legal and moral foundation for a new era of accountability.
“For the public to fully grasp the importance of this outcome, it is essential to present a clear and factual summary of the court’s decision. This verdict forms the foundation of our message today: that the rule of law will prevail and that evidence-based prosecution can and will succeed.
“The Federal High Court, after a meticulous trial, convicted the first defendant, Professor Cyril, on Count 1 for violating Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
“The court found him guilty of causing a student, identified as Miss T.K.J., to send pornographic and obscene photographs of herself to him. The Professor of Law was also convicted on Count 2 for violating Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.”
He commended the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and several collaborating Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for their invaluable support throughout the complex investigation and prosecution of Professor Ndifon.
