Date: 2016-06-10

A former Head of English Department, University of Ilorin, Dr Muhammed Idiagbon, who was accused of sexually harassing a female student of the school, says his ordeal is a set-up by his colleagues.

He said his co-workers, who were envious of his success and achievements, were behind the incident.

Idiagbon, who said this in a text message to our correspondent on Thursday, promised to give a detailed account of what happened in a press conference.

He said, "The allegation is harassment and not rape. It is a conspiracy; a set-up by my colleagues over my rise to stardom. I will address the media at the appropriate time."

Efforts by our correspondent to get additional comments proved abortive, as his telephone line indicated that it had been switched off.

Meanwhile, the management of the university has promised that justice will be done in the case. A statement on Thursday by the UNILORIN’s Deputy Director, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, said the matter was receiving serious attention from the authorities.

According to the statement, the school management had directed the dean of the faculty where the incident allegedly occurred to conduct proper investigation into the case. It added that the faculty had concluded its investigation and submitted a report to the university's disciplinary committee.

It said the report of the committee would soon be released, assuring all parties concerned that justice would be done. The statement also confirmed PUNCH Metro's Tuesday report that Idiagbon had been removed as the head of the Department of English.

It said, "For the avoidance of doubt, the University of Ilorin will not allow anybody that violates its rules and regulations to go scot-free

"However, in meting out appropriate sanctions against any offender, we always ensure that due process is strictly followed. "In the meantime, the lecturer in question has been removed from his position as acting head of department pending the conclusion of investigations.