Minister of Women Affairs Uju Ohaneye has said she will ensure that those who lie during the ongoing investigation into the alleged sexual assault at the University of Calabar are prosecuted and jailed.
Newslodge had reported how on August 14, students of the law school held a peaceful demonstration against the dean of the university’s law school, Cyril Ndifon, whom they accused of sexual harassment, an allegation he denied.
He told this newspaper that the protest was sponsored by faculty professors who did not like his leadership style.
University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor Florence Obi told Newslodge that the university management would investigate the allegations but students would be required to present evidence to support their complaints.
Minister reacts
In the aftermath of the investigation, the minister warned the parties involved in a video seen by Newslodge on Thursday.
“Whoever lies in this Calabar sex case will go to jail. I will personally ensure that all (the culprits) involved in this disgraceful act are prosecuted and imprisoned. I beg you, I want justice to be done.
“If you have complaints or anything to talk about regarding this case, please address the panel because the investigation is still ongoing. Go there and file a complaint, but don’t lie. Because if you lie, I will make sure that you are prosecuted and imprisoned if you are found guilty.”
This statement was made shortly after the publication of a report and audio by Sahara Reporters, which claimed that the minister threatened to imprison a university student if her testimony was false.
Later in the video, Ms Ohaneye urged that the investigation be used as “a great opportunity for us to put an end to this numerous sexual harassment or false accusations”.
Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Ohaneye
“We must do it right and justice must be done. Be it vice-chancellor, professor or student, any of you who lies will surely be prosecuted and imprisoned, if he is found guilty,” he added.
Background
This is not the first time Ndifon will be in the news for sexual harassment and for allegedly demanding sex in exchange for giving grades.
He had previously been suspended by school authorities in 2015, a move upheld by the industrial court, when the 2004 graduating law class filed a petition with the then Cross River State Police Commissioner alleging that the professor raped a female law student. 20 years old in his office. She challenged it in court.
His suspension was lifted about a year later under unclear circumstances.
But gender advocates have tasked the new women’s affairs minister and the university’s vice-chancellor with ensuring that Ndifon is brought to justice if he is found guilty.