Key Suspects in Notorious 2023 Kidnapping Finally Nabbed
Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have achieved a significant breakthrough with the arrest of two men described as principal members of the gang responsible for the abduction and tragic killing of a respected Calabar neurologist, Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, in 2023.
The suspects, identified as Patrick Essien Etim, 23, the alleged gang leader, and Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40, were apprehended on December 27, 2025, in Cross River State. Security sources indicate they were captured during an operation at a medical facility where they were allegedly finalizing plans to kidnap another medical practitioner.
Two-Year Manhunt Ends During New Plot
According to intelligence sources, the DSS had been diligently tracking the group since the horrifying incident in July 2023. Professor Ephraim was abducted from her private clinic along Atimbo Road, Calabar, by armed men who had gained access by posing as patients.
"The DSS has been on their trail since the incident in 2023. They were eventually picked up while planning to kidnap another high-profile medical practitioner," a source familiar with the operation revealed. The arrest was executed based on specific intelligence about the suspects' movements and intentions.
During interrogation, the two main suspects reportedly confessed to their direct involvement in the professor's abduction and murder. Shockingly, they admitted that she was killed after her family had already paid multiple ransom amounts.
"They admitted to killing the professor even after collecting ransom payments from her family," the source stated, highlighting the callous nature of the crime.
Closure for a Grieving Community and Wider Criminal Network
The arrest brings a measure of solace after a prolonged period of anguish. "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 finally have some peace and the closure they deserve," the source reflected.
The investigation also uncovered the gang's involvement in other serious crimes. The suspects confessed to participating in additional kidnappings and acts of vandalism against electricity infrastructure. A third individual, Isaac Ekpeyong, was taken into custody in connection with related criminal activities, specifically linked to cable vandalism.
The 2023 abduction of Professor Ephraim sent shockwaves through Cross River State, provoking widespread outrage. The medical community responded forcefully, with the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) initiating an indefinite strike that shut down public health services for over a week. This action was both a protest and a pressure tactic to demand authorities secure her safe release.
Commenting on the successful operation, a security source noted that it reflects a renewed and effective operational focus by the DSS. "This breakthrough underscores the commitment of the DSS in reverting to covertness in its operations and restoring public safety across the country," the source said.
While the DSS has not yet released an official public statement regarding these arrests, investigations are actively continuing. Operatives are working to fully map out the extent of the gang's activities and identify any remaining accomplices.
