Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja was commended by ght activists for ordering the remand of the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, in Kuje prison.
News About Nigeria gathered that Ndifon is facing alleged sexual harassment.
Justice Omotosho ordered Ndifon’s remand on Monday after he was arraigned by the ICPC.
Ndifon, who is facing four-counts filed against him, is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
Ndifon is the public official responsible for certifying students as fit in learning and character as a prerequisite for the award of Bachelor’s degree in Law and admission into the Nigerian Law School.
Inibehe Effiong, a Lagos-based lawyer and rights activist, said the don’s remand was a positive development, adding that it was a step towards accountability.
“Students of that faculty and even the university have over the years complained, especially the female students, that they have been sexually harassed…”
Also, a lawyer, Dr Uju Agomoh, who is the Executive Director, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action, said persons currently undergoing trial could be remanded in a correctional centre by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Mrs Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, who is the Executive Director, Project Alert, said Ndifon’s remand was a welcome development and would aid further investigation.
She claimed a series of allegations had been put against him as this was not the first time.
Consequently Justice Omotosho ordered Ndifon to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, and adjourned the matter until January 10 for hearing of the bail application.
