JUSTICE James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja today granted the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Professor Cyril Ndifon, and Barrister Sunny Anyanwu standing trial for sexual harassment, sexual gratification and attempt to pervert course of justice bail in varying terms.
The duo are being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
ICPC had arraigned Ndifon and Anyanwu on four amended count-charge bordering on sexual harassment and attempt to perverse the cause of justice contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and Section 182 of the Penal Code Cap. 532 Laws of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 2006.
Professor Ndifon was granted bail in the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000.00) while Barrister Sunny was granted bail in the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000.00), among other conditions.
The defence counsel, Joe Agi and Solomon Umoh had urged the court to grant their clients bail on liberal terms.
But the prosecution counsel had objected to the grant of bail, urging the court to dismiss it because the don would interfere with the evidence of the witness.
However, ruling on the bail earlier today, Justice Omotosho held that while bail was a constitutional right, the court must be guided by the nature of a charge and the possibility of the accused person interfering with the case against him, among other things.
The court held that the defendants are facing sexual harassment offences for requesting nude videos but they are not capital offences like terrorism.
“This court grants the defendants bail on the following conditions. Bail is granted to the first defendants in the sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250,000,000.00) with two sureties who own properties within FCT with a minimum valuation of One Hundred and Fifty Million (N150,000,000.00).
“The first defendant and his two sureties must submit their bank statements.
“The first defendant must submit his International passport to the court.
“The second defendant is granted bail in the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000.00) with two sureties who will submit their bank statements.
“The defendants must file an undertaking not to interfere with the case, readiness to attend trial and not to cause delay.” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till next Monday 12th February 2024 for the continuation of the hearing.
Eighteen-Eleven Media