Nude images from various contacts were reportedly discovered on the mobile phone of Cyril Ndifon, the suspended dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), according to revelations made by an investigator from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Lucy Ogechi, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ogechi, testifying for the prosecution, disclosed that among the explicit content found on Ndifon’s phone were pornographic photographs sent by a diploma student (whose identity is protected by a court order) of the university. The investigator highlighted that numerous nude photos from various contacts, including one labeled as TKJ, were observed. Of particular interest was TKJ, as it was alleged that Ndifon requested nude pictures as a form of admission currency for the diploma class transitioning to the LLB class.
Ogechi further revealed that attempts to confront Ndifon with these findings were met with refusal to provide a statement. The investigator detailed efforts to verify the allegations in Calabar, including interactions with a student identified with the help of a lecturer.
Regarding the second defendant, a lawyer, Ogechi stated that he urged the victim’s witness to disregard ICPC’s invitation. Despite initial denial, forensic evidence contradicted the lawyer’s statement, confirming that he had indeed made the call. The forensic report revealed a 679-second call from the second defendant to the victim’s witness, TKJ, with the number forwarded by the first defendant.
Ogechi informed the court that while the defendants’ phones were in ICPC custody, Ndifon attempted a SIM swap, claiming his phone was missing, in what appeared to be an effort to interfere with the investigation.
The prosecution clarified that while the sexual harassment allegations had been concluded, the investigation into financial misappropriation was ongoing.
During cross-examination, the defense inquired about the forensic analysis, to which Ogechi clarified she was not a forensic analyst and did not perform the analysis herself. When asked about the relationship between Ndifon and TKJ, Ogechi emphasized that the observed relationship was that of a student and lecturer.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotoso, expressed a preference for an accelerated hearing, adjourning the matter until Thursday for the continuation of the trial after taking the victim witness’s statement.
