Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), denied allegations that he requested nude photographs from a female student during his testimony before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
While being cross-examined by Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) lawyer Osuobeni Akponimisingha, Ndifon refuted the claims, stating that the student, identified as TKJ, was like a daughter to him.
“I got to know her through her uncle. She never sent me nude pictures, and I never asked for them,” he asserted.
He also denied that the conversations, pictures, and videos presented by the ICPC were from his phone.
“They are not mine. If you examine them, you’ll see they have been altered. I have no idea where they got these conversations and videos,” he stated.
Ndifon further explained that he did not submit his phone, which he allegedly used to communicate with TKJ, because the ICPC had not requested the student’s phone for investigation.
“The prosecution didn’t think it necessary to examine her phone, so why should I submit mine?” he questioned.
The professor admitted to sending TKJ ₦3,000 from his First Bank account but clarified that he had provided her with financial assistance on multiple occasions.
“I have given her more than ₦3,000; sometimes, I give her cash,” he added.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until Thursday for the continuation of the trial.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ndifon is currently facing trial for alleged sexual harassment. He and his lawyer, Samuel Anyanwu, have been charged with four counts, including sexual harassment, cybercrime, and attempting to obstruct justice.
The ICPC accused Ndifon of requesting “pornographic, indecent, and obscene photographs” from TKJ, a diploma student and key witness, via WhatsApp.
Additionally, Anyanwu was implicated in the amended charge filed on January 22, 2024, for allegedly calling TKJ to intimidate her while the case against Ndifon was ongoing.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
