Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended suspects believed to be responsible for the killing of Professor of Neurology, Ekanem Philip Ephraim, almost two years after her abduction and murder.
A reliable source confirmed the development to Channels Television on Monday, identifying the alleged gang leader as 24-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, alongside his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, aged 40.
The suspects were reportedly arrested on December 27 at a medical facility in Cross River State, where they were said to be planning the abduction of another prominent medical professional.
According to the source, the DSS had been trailing the kidnapping syndicate since July 2023, when gunmen disguised as patients abducted Professor Ephraim.
The two suspects allegedly confessed to the crime, admitting that they killed the professor after collecting several 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 involvement in other kidnappings and the vandalisation of electricity cables. Another suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was also arrested in connection with the activities, according to the source.
Professor Ekanem was abducted on July 13, 2023, by gunmen who posed as patients at her private clinic along Atimbo Road in Calabar.
Her abduction sparked widespread protests across the state, led by the Cross River chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
The association subsequently embarked on an indefinite strike that paralysed health services in the state for more than a week, as doctors demanded urgent government action to secure her release.