The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld a two-year prison sentence imposed on Professor Cyril Osim Ndifon, the former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). Ndifon was convicted of soliciting pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs from a female student via electronic communication. The appellate court's judgment, delivered in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CR/1798/2025, affirmed the conviction and sentence imposed by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 17, 2025.
The Federal High Court, under Justice James Omotosho, found Ndifon guilty of the first count of the charge, which was prosecuted under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. The court sentenced him to two years' imprisonment without an option of a fine. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday. According to the ICPC, the case centered on electronic communications between Ndifon and a female student.
Ndifon was removed as Dean of the Faculty of Law at UNICAL in 2023 following allegations of sexual harassment of female students. The ICPC's statement emphasized that the appellate court's decision on the first count leaves Ndifon's conviction intact. The commission also stated that it is taking steps to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision on the second count before a superior court. The second count concerned an allegation that Ndifon conferred an undue advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The Court of Appeal, however, reached a different conclusion on the second count. The appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the second count and ordered that Ndifon be prosecuted afresh on the charge before the High Court of Cross River State. Ndifon had originally received a five-year sentence on the second count, with the two sentences ordered to run concurrently. The ICPC stressed that the jurisdictional issue surrounding the second count requires further judicial determination.
The ICPC's statement clarified that the appellate court's decision on the second count does not affect the conviction and two-year sentence affirmed on the first count. Ndifon's case has been ongoing since 2023, when allegations of sexual harassment surfaced. The Court of Appeal's judgment brings finality to the first count of the charge but leaves the second count subject to further proceedings.
The judgment was delivered in accordance with the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The Court of Appeal's decision demonstrates the commitment of the judiciary to upholding the law and ensuring that those found guilty of corrupt practices are held accountable. Ndifon's conviction serves as a deterrent to others who may engage in similar misconduct.
The case highlights the importance of addressing issues of sexual harassment and corruption in institutions of higher learning. The ICPC's efforts to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision on the second count demonstrate its commitment to ensuring that justice is served. The outcome of the case will have implications for Ndifon's future and for the University of Calabar as an institution.
Key points
- The Court of Appeal has upheld a two-year prison sentence for former UNICAL Dean Cyril Osim Ndifon over solicitation of indecent photos from a female student.
- The appellate court ordered a fresh trial on the second count of the charge, which concerns an allegation that Ndifon conferred an undue advantage on himself.
- The ICPC is taking steps to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision on the second count before a superior court.
