How I was sexually harrassed by suspended UNICAL Dean – Witness
At the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 06, 2023, a pivotal testimony unfolded, shedding light on the alleged misconduct of Prof Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL). The courtroom atmosphere was charged as a witness, identified as TKJ, took the stand, recounting a disturbing sequence of events under oath.
Guided by the legal counsel from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), TKJ, appearing as the second prosecution witness (PW2), provided a detailed narrative of her experiences before Justice James Omotosho.
TKJ disclosed how her encounter with Prof Cyril Ndifon began with seemingly innocuous condolences extended by the dean after the passing of her mother. However, what ensued was far from comforting, as TKJ alleged that Ndifon’s condolences swiftly transitioned into unwelcome advances and propositions for sexual favors in exchange for admission into the prestigious institution.
Throughout her testimony, TKJ painted a distressing picture of encounters where Ndifon allegedly pressured her for sexual acts. She described instances where Ndifon persisted despite her objections, even going as far as inquiring about the duration of her menstrual cycle when she cited it as a reason for refusal.
The most harrowing account TKJ shared was of an alleged forced sexual act perpetrated by Ndifon, followed by a transfer of ₦3000 into her account under the guise of medical expenses. The prosecution bolstered this claim by presenting the bank receipt of the transfer as evidence, which was ultimately admitted by Justice Omotosho after initial objections from Ndifon’s legal team.
This testimony comes in the wake of Ndifon’s re-arraignment on January 25, alongside Sunny Anyanwu, on charges related to sexual harassment and obstruction of justice. Anyanwu, implicated in the case as well, faces allegations of threatening a prosecution witness during the proceedings, further intensifying the gravity of the situation.
As the trial unfolds, the allegations against Ndifon and Anyanwu serve as a sobering reminder of the prevalence of sexual misconduct within academic institutions and the imperative need for accountability and justice to prevail. The courage displayed by TKJ in speaking out against such abuses echoes the voices of countless others who have suffered in silence, hoping for a future where their rights and dignity are safeguarded without compromise.
