On Wednesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concluded its presentation in the case against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), and co-defendant Sunny Anyanwu.
ICPC’s representative, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the Commission had closed its case after the cross-examination of Bwaigu Fungo, the fourth prosecution witness, a forensic and intelligence analyst, by the defense lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN.
Earlier, Akponimisingha had stated that the anti-corruption commission initially had about seven witnesses and intended to amend the charge to include more witnesses to support their case against the defendants.
Ndifon and Anyanwu were re-arraigned on January 25 on an amended four-count charge related to alleged sexual harassment and an attempt to pervert the course of justice. Anyanwu, part of the defense team, was included in the amended charge after allegations that he threatened a prosecution witness.
The defendants pleaded not guilty, and Justice Omotosho had granted them bail on Friday – N250 million for Ndifon and N50 million for Anyanwu, each with two sureties.
During Wednesday’s trial, the cross-examination of Fungo continued, with Agi asking about the content of the call log between Ndifon and TKJ, the female Diploma student who claimed harassment. Fungo stated he didn’t know the details. When asked about the first communication between Ndifon and TKJ, Fungo noted it occurred on March 14, 2023, through WhatsApp, with the message “Good evening sir.”
Following Fungo’s testimony, Akponimisingha announced the closure of the prosecution’s case. Agi informed the court of the defense’s intention to file a no-case submission, requesting seven days to do so. The ICPC lawyer agreed and promised a similar timeframe for the prosecution’s response.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until February 27 to hear the defendants’ no-case submission.
