December 29, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested key members of the gang allegedly responsible for the abduction and murder of Professor Ekanem Ephraim, a prominent neurologist.
The breakthrough brings closure to a case that has haunted the medical community and the nation since 2023.
The alleged gang leader, 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, and his accomplice, 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo, were apprehended on December 27, 2025, at a medical facility in Cross River State.
Security sources indicate the duo was caught while allegedly plotting the kidnap of another high-profile medical professional.
The DSS had been tracking the syndicate since July 13, 2023, when Professor Ephraim was abducted by gunmen posing as patients at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar.
According to senior security officials, the suspects have confessed to the crime, admitting they murdered the professor even after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family.
“It has been over two years of torment for her loved ones,” a senior source disclosed.
“With this arrest, her family can finally have some peace and the much-needed closure they deserve.”
The suspects also reportedly confessed to other kidnapping operations and the vandalisation of critical electricity infrastructure.
A third suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was also taken into custody in connection with the gang’s activities.
Professor Ephraim’s abduction in 2023 led to a widespread outrage, leading to an indefinite strike by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The strike crippled healthcare services for over a week as doctors demanded her safe rescue and better security for healthcare workers.
The DSS described the arrests as a significant victory for intelligence-led, covert operations.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes face the full weight of the law.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
