DSS Arrests Suspected Killers of Professor Ephraim, Nearly 2 Years After Murder
- DSS operatives arrested Patrick Essien Etim and Bassey Antiha Asuquo, suspects in Professor Ephraim’s murder in Cross River state
- The suspects reportedly confessed to killing the professor after collecting ransom and admitted involvement in other crimes, including kidnappings and vandalism
- The DSS described the arrest as a huge breakthrough in its covert operations and a reaffirmation of its commitment to restoring public safety across Nigeria
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Calabar, Cross River - Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the suspected killers of Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, a renowned neurologist, almost two years after her murder.
A credible source confirmed to Channels Television on Monday that the gang leader, 24-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, and his accomplice, 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo, were apprehended at a medical facility in Cross River State on December 27, while allegedly planning to abduct another medical professional.
Source: Twitter
The source said the DSS had been tracking the kidnappers since Professor Ephraim’s abduction and killing in July 2023, when gunmen posing as patients attacked her private clinic at Atimbo Road, Calabar.
Suspects confessed to the crime
The suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting 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 finally have some peace and the much-needed closure they deserve,” the source said.
The arrest is also part of a broader crackdown on criminal activity, as the suspects admitted to multiple kidnappings and vandalising electricity cables. Another suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was reportedly taken into custody by the DSS.
Professor Ephraim’s kidnapping had sparked widespread protests by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), which staged an indefinite strike to demand her safe rescue. The strike severely disrupted health services in the state for over a week.
As reported by Channels TV, the DSS described the arrest as a huge breakthrough in its covert operations and a reaffirmation of its commitment to restoring public safety across Nigeria.
Source: Original
DSS storms Cross River House of Assembly
Legit.ng earlier reported that the commotion that happened in the Cross River state house of assembly when the speaker, Elvert Ayambem, was impeached has attracted the attention of the DSS.
Legit.ng reports that the plenary on Wednesday, May 22, turned into a brawl as factions struggled for possession of the mace.
Ayambem, who represents Ikom II state constituency, was impeached on Wednesday, May 22, by 17 house members over allegations of misappropriation of funds.
After impeaching him, the assembly's mace was forcefully taken away.
DSS mentions 2 states that are ISWAP's target
In an earlier story, Legit.ng reported that the two states in the southwest and north-central were where the ISWAP terrorist group planned to attack next.
According to the secret police, the terrorists had started surveillance in some communities in the two states.
This brought to life the memory of the Owo attack, where over 40 worshippers were killed in June 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state.
Source: Legit.ng
