Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested suspected members of a kidnap ring linked to the killing of a Professor of Neurology, Ekanem Philip Ephraim, nearly two years after her abduction and murder in Cross River State.
A security source confirmed that the suspects were apprehended on December 27 at a medical facility in the state while allegedly planning to kidnap another senior medical professional.
The source identified the alleged gang leader as 24-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, alongside his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40.
According to the source, the DSS had been tracking the syndicate since July 2023, when Professor Ephraim was abducted from her private clinic after gunmen reportedly posed as patients.
Investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to the crime, admitting that they killed the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family.
“It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the Professor. I believe that, with this arrest, her family and loved ones will be able to finally have some peace and the much-needed closure that they deserve,” the source said.
“This huge breakthrough underscores the commitment of the DSS in reverting to covertness in its operations and restoring public safety across the country.”
The source further disclosed that the suspects also admitted to kidnapping other victims and vandalising electricity cables. Another suspect, identified as Isaac Ekpeyong, was also arrested in connection with the operations of the gang.
Professor Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, from her clinic along Atimbo Road in Calabar by gunmen who posed as patients.
Her disappearance triggered widespread protests across the state by medical professionals, with the Nigerian Medical Association declaring an indefinite strike that paralysed health services for over a week, as doctors demanded decisive action to secure her release.
