Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have apprehended Mr. Mfonobong Udoudom, a suspended lecturer with the University of Nigeria, who was captured in a video allegedly harassing a female student in his office.
The university management, in a statement released on Tuesday, announced the indefinite suspension of Udoudom following the viral video.
According to sources within the university, the police from the Nsukka Area Command took action shortly before the university management imposed the indefinite suspension.
“As we speak, he is currently at the Nsukka Police Area Command. But what they do with him is what I don’t know,” said an anonymous source within the university.
Udoudom, who was reportedly caught in the viral video wearing only a pair of boxers, served as a lecturer in the General Studies Division of the university.
Although the exact date of the incident could not be independently confirmed, the university stated that Udoudom would undergo a thorough investigation.
In a statement signed by its acting Public Relations Officer, Chief Okwun Omeaku, the university clarified that Udoudom is not a professor and emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards sexual misconduct.
The university suspended Udoudom indefinitely to facilitate a comprehensive investigation by a disciplinary panel constituted for the purpose.
“The University of Nigeria has a zero tolerance for sexual misconduct involving our staff and students,” the statement affirmed. “The UNN is among the few universities in the country that has a Sexual Harassment Policy.”
Meanwhile, the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development has pledged to ensure that justice prevails in the matter, emphasizing the state government’s zero tolerance for gender-based violence, harassment, or exploitation.
Commissioner for Gender, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, affirmed the ministry’s commitment to getting to the root of the matter and ensuring justice for all parties involved. She emphasized Governor Peter Mbah’s stance on eradicating gender-based violence and exploitation in the state.
