Cyril Ndifon Was Arrested By Government Security Agency Not Kidnapped – Police Refutes

By Patrick Obia

The Cross River State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has debunked claims that the embattled suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Professor Cyril Ndifon was kidnapped.

News filtered the air earlier today that Professor Ndifon was kidnapped a few days after UNICAL’s investigation panel completed its findings.

The Command refuted the claim in a press release with reference number A2:5750/CRS/PPRO/VOL.17/220 signed and made available by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo on Thursday 5th October 2023 saying the lecturer was only arrested by government security agency for discreet interrogation, not kidnapped as rumored.

The PPRO who spoke for the State Commissioner of Police, CP Gyogo Augustine Grimah advised members of the public to disregard such information making rounds on social media platforms as it is not only subversive but misleading and a calculated attempt to cause panic or breach of the peace enjoyed in the State.

CP Grimah however enjoins all to “always cross-check or vet facts from established authorities before sending such unverified and malicious reports as contrary may attract unpleasant penalties.

The release reads in part: “Let me start by thanking all Cross Riverians/good spirited Citizens, media, and eminent security stakeholders for the confidence reposed on the officers and men of the Cross River State Police Command, and Nigeria Police Force at large through resolute and seamless collaborative efforts and sacrifices in securing our dear State.

“The Command hereby advises members of the Public to disregard this information currently trending in social media platforms, as it is not only subversive but misleading and a calculated attempt to cause panic or breach of the peace enjoyed in the State.

“In view of the above, the Command wishes to state that Prof. Ndifon was not kidnapped as speculated but arrested by a government security agency for discreet interrogation while measures are being taken to review the source of these obnoxious rumors.

“Consequently, the CP hitherto warns respective social media and blogging platforms to always cross-check or vet facts from established authorities before sending such unverified and malicious reports as contrary may attract unpleasant penalties while ensuring peaceful coexistence in the State and the Nation as a whole.”