By Kelvin Obambon
The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Thursday adjourned a sexual harassment case brought against former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon and three others.
The case with file no: FHC/CA/FHR/10/2024 was instituted by Gender and Development Action (GADA) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA). Joined in the suit as defendants were the University of Calabar, National Universities Commission, UNICAL Vice Chancellor and Prof. Cyril Ndifon.
Recall that the former UNICAL dean is currently standing trial before a Federal High Court, Abuja on four amended counts of alleged sexual harassment and gratification preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
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When the case was brought up for hearing for the first time before Justice Ijeoma Ojokwu, the presiding judge at the Federal High Court Calabar, some of the respondents were absent in court, hence the judge adjourned the case to 8 May, 2024 while ordering service on all the respondents.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the adjournment, prosecuting Counsel Doris Nduanusi, said that UNICAL and NUC were joined as defendants because the institutions ought to be accountable as supervisory bodies to prevent such abuses from repeatedly happening. According to her, “this is not a criminal case; it is civil case that will make the universities to be more proactive to create policies to protect the students.”
The case of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) involving Prof. Ndifon has sparked widespread concern and criticism. The allegations of coercion, sexual exploitation, and threats against students have brought the issue to the forefront of public discourse.
Co-founder of GADA, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo said “Our organization, GADA, in collaboration with FIDA (International Federation of Women Lawyers), has advocated for justice and accountability in this matter. This is sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and supported by ActionAid Nigeria.
“The outcry was deafening as the public demanded answers, and the University of Calabar could no longer turn a blind eye. With our collective pressure, the university finally stepped in, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and vowing to take decisive action. He was suspended and at a later date, arrested. However, as the courts began their pursuit of justice, we pondered: Is this the end of exploitation on Nigerian campuses?
“As injustice resounds throughout the nation, we stand united in our resolve to fight for a future free from exploitation and Gender-Based Violence. We refuse to be silenced. It is time to rewrite the narrative, reclaim the sanctity of our educational institutions, and ensure that no student suffers at the hands of those entrusted with their care.
“Together, let us demand accountability, let us demand justice, and let us pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where every student can pursue their dreams without fear or intimidation. Join us in our quest for justice. Together, we can make a difference.
“The court hearing represents a crucial milestone in the pursuit of justice for survivors of GBV and the broader fight against impunity and abuse of power. Through collaborative efforts with FIDA and other stakeholders, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of survivors are heard and that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.”