DSS Nabs Suspected Gang Leader Linked to Abduction Murder of Calabar Professor

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a suspected criminal kingpin believed to be behind the abduction and killing of a respected professor of neurology in Cross River State, nearly two years after the tragic incident.

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, was reportedly apprehended alongside an alleged accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, aged 40, at a medical facility within the state. Security sources confirmed that the arrest followed months of intelligence-driven surveillance and investigation.

According to reports, the DSS had been closely monitoring the activities of the kidnapping syndicate since the professor’s death in July 2023. Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly posed as patients before abducting the professor from her private medical clinic in Calabar.

A security source disclosed that despite receiving several ransom payments from the victim’s family, the gang went ahead to murder her, a development that shocked both authorities and the public.

During interrogation, the arrested suspects reportedly confessed to their roles in the kidnapping and killing. A senior DSS official, who spoke anonymously, said the breakthrough has brought a sense of relief to the professor’s family after years of emotional distress and unanswered questions.

“For nearly two years, her family lived with pain and uncertainty. This arrest offers them the opportunity for closure and reassurance that justice is finally taking its course,” the official stated.

Further investigations revealed that the suspects may be linked to other criminal activities in Cross River State, including additional kidnapping cases and the vandalisation of public electricity infrastructure. Another suspect, identified as Isaac Ekpeyong, was also taken into custody in connection with the crimes.

The late Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, by armed men who reportedly disguised themselves as patients at her private clinic along Atimbo Road in Calabar. Her disappearance sparked widespread outrage, particularly within the medical community across the state.

In response to the abduction, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter, launched statewide protests and embarked on an indefinite strike to demand her rescue. The industrial action disrupted healthcare services across the state for more than a week, as doctors withdrew their services in solidarity.

Security officials confirmed that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts remain ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network.