Minister of Women Affairs Vows to Prosecute and Jail Anyone Lying in UNICAL Sex Scandal
By PRISTINEGIST.COM
The Minister of Women Affairs, Barr Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, has expressed her determination to ensure that justice is served in the case of the alleged sexual assault of a female student by a professor at the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
The minister, who spoke to journalists recently, said she would personally take up the case and make sure that anyone who lies about the incident is investigated and prosecuted accordingly. She said she would not spare anyone, regardless of their position or status, who tries to cover up or distort the truth.
The minister’s words: “Whoever that lies on the Calabar sexual case will be prosecuted and jailed. I will take up the case personally, I will also make sure anyone involved in lying on the matter go to jail. Not minding the personality involved, whether it is the Vice Chancellor, Professor, or the alleged victim.”
The sex scandal, which has rocked the UNICAL community, involves Prof. Cyril Ndifon, the Dean of the Faculty of Law, who was accused of raping a 20-year-old female student in his office on August 29, 2023. The student reported the incident to the university authorities and the police, and also underwent a medical examination.
The university management suspended Prof. Ndifon on August 17, 2023, pending the outcome of an investigation by a panel set up by the Vice Chancellor. The suspension letter, signed by the Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe, stated that Prof. Ndifon violated the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.
The minister commended the university for taking swift action against the alleged perpetrator, and urged them to cooperate with the police and other relevant agencies in the investigation. She also called on the public to refrain from spreading false or misleading information about the case, and to respect the rights and dignity of the victim.
The minister assured Nigerians and UNICAL community of her commitment to protect and empower women and girls, and to fight against all forms of gender-based violence in the country. She said her ministry would provide all necessary support and assistance to the victim and her family.
