A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu. The court ruled that there is sufficient evidence to warrant the defendants to enter their defense against four counts of alleged sexual harassment and gratification leveled against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Ndifon and Anyanwu had argued that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against them, contending that the evidence presented did not support the charges. However, Justice James Omotosho disagreed, stating that the evidence led by the prosecution constituted a prima facie case against the defendants.
The judge emphasized that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction to entertain matters based on the Corrupt Practices Act 2000, despite arguments to the contrary by the defense. He also addressed the issue of territorial jurisdiction, asserting that the court’s venue was appropriate for the trial, regardless of where the alleged offenses occurred.
Regarding the ICPC’s authority to investigate and prosecute offenses under the Cybercrimes Act, Justice Omotosho affirmed the commission’s mandate as a federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over corruption-related offenses.
The court’s ruling highlighted specific evidence presented by the prosecution, including messages soliciting nude photos from a female diploma student with the promise of admission into the University of Calabar’s Faculty of Law. Justice Omotosho emphasized that establishing a prima facie case does not equate to finding the defendants guilty but warrants them to present their defense.
The case was adjourned until March 12 for the defendants to enter their defense. Additionally, the court accepted Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba and Okon Efut (SAN) as sureties for Ndifon’s bail. Ndoma-Egba, a former senator, represented Cross River Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly for 12 years.
