The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested two suspects linked to the 2023 abduction and killing of Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim in Calabar.

 Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on December 27 arrested two suspects linked to the 2023 kidnapping and murder of Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, a renowned neurologist. The main suspect, 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, and his accomplice, 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo, were caught at a medical facility in Cross River State while allegedly planning to abduct another high-profile medical professional.

According to a security source, the DSS had been monitoring the gang since Professor Ephraim’s abduction in July 2023. The professor was kidnapped by gunmen pretending to be patients at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar. The suspects later admitted to killing her after demanding and receiving multiple ransom payments from her family.

The source added, Her family has endured two years of uncertainty. This arrest brings them closer to the closure they deserve.

The suspects also confessed to kidnapping other victims and damaging electricity infrastructure, along with another individual, Isaac Ekpeyong, who was previously arrested by security operatives.

Professor Ephraim’s abduction had triggered widespread protests by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, temporarily shutting down the state’s health sector as activists pressured authorities to rescue her.

The DSS said this arrest highlights its commitment to covert operations and restoring public safety across the country.