The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced its intention to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision on jurisdiction in the case involving Professor Cyril Ndifon, the former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar. According to the ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, the commission will seek further clarification on the jurisdictional issue arising from the second count of the charge. This decision was made following the judgment of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal.
The Court of Appeal had affirmed Ndifon's conviction on the first count but ruled that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the second count. Ndifon was convicted on November 17, 2025, and sentenced to two years' imprisonment on the first count for soliciting pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs from a female student. He was also sentenced to five years' imprisonment on the second count, without the option of a fine, for allegedly conferring undue advantage contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices Act, 2000.
The ICPC stressed that the Court of Appeal's decision on the second count did not affect Ndifon's affirmed conviction on the first count. The conviction relating to the solicitation of pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs from a student remained affirmed by the appellate court. However, the Court of Appeal ordered a retrial on the second count and directed that the prosecution should commence before the High Court of Cross River State.
The anti-corruption agency reiterated its commitment to due process and respect for decisions of the courts. The ICPC remains committed to conducting its investigations and prosecutions within the provisions of the law. According to Odey, the commission will continue to follow due process while utilizing available legal avenues where it considers further judicial determination necessary.
The ICPC's planned challenge will focus on the jurisdictional question surrounding the second count, rather than the conviction that the appellate court affirmed on the first count. The commission believes that the jurisdictional question arising from the second count requires further judicial determination by a superior court. This development means that while Ndifon's conviction on the first count remains affirmed, the second count will be subject to further proceedings.
The case is part of the ICPC's broader efforts to prosecute corruption, abuse of office, and related offences, particularly where public or institutional authority is allegedly used to exploit people under the authority or influence of an accused person. The commission is expected to provide further updates as the legal process progresses.
The ICPC's decision to challenge the Court of Appeal's ruling on jurisdiction highlights its commitment to ensuring that justice is served in the case. The commission's actions demonstrate its dedication to upholding the law and promoting accountability in public institutions.
Key points
- The ICPC will challenge the Court of Appeal's decision on jurisdiction in the case involving ex-UNICAL dean, Professor Cyril Ndifon.
- Ndifon's conviction on the first count remains affirmed, while the second count will be subject to further proceedings.
- The ICPC is committed to due process and respect for decisions of the courts in its investigations and prosecutions.
