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 DSS Arrests Suspects in 2023 Kidnap and Murder of Neurologist Prof. Ekanem Philip-Ephraim in Cross River Calabar.

 In a major breakthrough nearly two and a half years after the shocking crime, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested key suspects linked to the abduction and killing of renowned neurologist Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim.Security sources revealed that the arrests took place on December 27 at a medical facility in Cross River State, where the suspects were allegedly plotting to kidnap another prominent doctor. 

The gang leader, 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, and his 40-year-old accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, were nabbed during the operation. A third suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, was also detained in connection with the gang's activities.

The suspects have reportedly confessed to abducting and murdering Professor Philip-Ephraim after collecting several ransom payments from her family. They also admitted to other kidnappings and vandalizing electricity infrastructure in the region.

Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, a respected consultant neurologist, was taken on July 13, 2023, from her private clinic along Atimbo Road in Calabar. Gunmen posing as patients stormed the facility that evening and whisked her away, sparking immediate outrage across the state.

Her disappearance led to widespread protests and prompted the Cross River chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) to launch an indefinite strike, which disrupted healthcare services for over a week as doctors demanded urgent action for her safe return.The DSS had been quietly tracking the syndicate since the incident, a persistence that finally paid off with these arrests. 

Sources say the development brings long-awaited hope for closure to the professor's family and colleagues, who have endured years of uncertainty and grief.This case highlights ongoing concerns over security for medical professionals in Nigeria, even as authorities celebrate the arrests as a sign of renewed commitment to tackling kidnapping rings. Investigations continue, with expectations that the suspects will face full prosecution.