The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) concluded its presentation of evidence against Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), and his co-defendant, Sunny Anyanwu, on Wednesday.
In a session before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, ICPC’s counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, made this known after the cross-examination of Bwaigu Fungo, the fourth prosecution witness and a Forensic and Intelligence Analyst with the commission, by the defense counsel, Joe Agi, SAN.
Earlier, Akponimisingha had informed the court about ICPC’s plan to amend the charge and increase the number of witnesses. Ndifon and Anyanwu were re-arraigned on January 25 on an amended four-count charge, including allegations of sexual harassment and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Anyanwu, who is also a lawyer representing the defense, was added to the charge on the allegation of threatening one of the prosecution witnesses via phone during the proceedings against Ndifon. Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Justice Omotosho had granted bail to Ndifon and Anyanwu on February 9, setting bail amounts of N250 million and N50 million respectively, each with two sureties and other conditions.
During the resumed trial on Wednesday, the cross-examination of Fungo continued. Agi inquired about the content of communications between Ndifon and TKJ, the female Diploma student allegedly harassed by Ndifon. Fungo stated that he did not analyze TKJ’s phone during the investigation.
Following Fungo’s testimony, Akponimisingha announced the closure of the prosecution’s case.
Responding, Agi stated the defense’s intention to file a no-case submission, requesting seven days to do so. ICPC’s lawyer agreed to a similar timeframe for reply upon receiving the submission.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter until February 27 to hear the defendants’ no-case submission.
Meanwhile, Ndifon and Anyanwu were yet to meet the conditions of their bail, which were described as stringent. Both had been directed to comply with various requirements including providing sureties and submitting their international passports.
Justice Omotosho emphasized the need for an expedited trial and ordered accelerated hearing of the case.
Timipre Abowei