Legal Bombshell: Appeal Court Seals Fate of Ex-UNICAL Professor Ndifon with 2-Year Jail Term!

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, has upheld the conviction and two-year jail sentence imposed on Professor Cyril Ndifon, former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL). This decision stems from his conviction for soliciting pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs from a female student. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed this development in a statement issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, following the appellate court's judgment delivered on September 18, 2026, in Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CR/1798/2025.

Professor Ndifon was initially convicted by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on November 17, 2025. The trial court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt on Count One, which was prosecuted under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was originally sentenced to two years in prison on Count One and five years on Count Two, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently, and without the option of a fine. The case originated from evidence, including electronic communications, concerning interactions between Ndifon and a female student during his tenure as dean, where he allegedly used his position to exercise influence over students.

Following his appeal against the conviction and sentences, the Court of Appeal meticulously reviewed the grounds of appeal. The appellate court affirmed the conviction and the two-year custodial sentence specifically on Count One, related to soliciting indecent photographs. However, for Count Two, which pertained to an allegation of conferring an undue advantage under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, the Court of Appeal made a distinct ruling. It held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain this specific charge and consequently directed that Professor Ndifon be prosecuted on this count before the High Court of Cross River State.

The ICPC has indicated that it is taking necessary steps to challenge the appellate court's decision regarding Count Two before an appropriate superior court. The Commission, through its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, firmly emphasized that the decision on Count Two does not in any way affect the affirmation of Ndifon's conviction on Count One. The ICPC reiterated that the conviction for soliciting pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs from a student remains upheld by the Court of Appeal. The commission further stated its commitment to prosecuting cases involving corruption, abuse of office, and related offenses, especially when institutional authority is allegedly used to exploit individuals under an accused person’s influence.