The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) will challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction over one count in the case against former University of Calabar Law Faculty Dean Cyril Ndifon.
ICPC spokesperson John Odey stated this in a Friday statement in Abuja. He said the commission views the jurisdictional question arising from Count Two as a matter requiring further determination by a superior court.
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, affirmed Ndifon’s conviction on Count One. Ndifon, a professor of law, was convicted on November 17, 2025, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for soliciting pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs from a female student.
He was also sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on Count Two, with both terms ordered to run concurrently and without the option of a fine.
While upholding the conviction on Count One, the appellate court held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to try Count Two. That count borders on the conferment of undue advantage, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices Act, 2000. The court ordered a retrial of Count Two before the High Court of Cross River State.
Odey stressed that the ruling on Count Two does not affect the affirmed conviction on Count One. “The conviction for soliciting pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs from a student remains affirmed by the Court of Appeal,” he said.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to prosecuting corruption, abuse of office and related offences, particularly where public or institutional authority is allegedly used to exploit persons under an accused person’s authority or influence. It said it would continue to act strictly within the law and due process, respect court decisions, and use available legal avenues where further judicial clarification is considered necessary. Further updates will be provided as the process continues.
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