ICPC ​‌‍‍‍‍⁠⁠‌⁠‍‌​‌⁠‌⁠‌​to challenge A’Court ruling on jurisdiction in ex-UNICAL dean’s case

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it will challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision on jurisdiction in the case of former University of Calabar Law Dean, Cyril Ndifon.

Its Spokesperson, John Odey, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Odey said that the commission considered the jurisdictional question arising from Count Two of the charge to be a matter requiring further judicial determination before a superior court.

He said that the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division,  however, affirmed the conviction of Ndifon, a Professor of law and former Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar on count one.

According to him, Ndifon was convicted on Nov. 17, 2025, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on count one for soliciting pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs from a female student.

Òdey stated that the professor was also committed to five years imprisonment on count two, without the option of a fine on the two-count, while the sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

“While affirming the conviction on count one, the Court of Appeal held that the Federal High Court lacked jurisdiction to entertain count two.

“Count Two borders on conferment of undue advantage contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices Act, 2000.

“The appellate court, therefore, ordered retrial and directed that prosecution on count two should commence before the High Court of Cross River State.”

Odey, however, stressed that the ruling on count two did 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 stated.

“The commission wishes to emphasise that the appellate court’s decision on count two does not affect its affirmation of the conviction on count one.

“The conviction for soliciting pornographic, indecent and obscene photographs from a student remains affirmed by the Court of Appeal.”

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to the prosecution of corruption, abuse of office and other related offences

He said that particularly where public or institutional authority is allegedly used to exploit persons under the authority or influence of an accused person.

“The ICPC also reaffirms its commitment to conducting its investigations and prosecutions strictly within the provisions of the law and in accordance with due process.

He said that the commission respected the decisions of the courts and will continue to utilise the available legal avenues where it considers further judicial clarification necessary.

He said that the commission would provide further updates on the matter as the legal process progressed.