Six suspects remanded in Calabar over UNICAL professor’s kidnapping and murder; DSS continues investigation into abductions and vandalism

The Federal High Court in Calabar has ordered the remand of six suspects connected to the kidnapping and murder of a University of Calabar (UNICAL) professor, along with other related crimes.

Also read: Nigerian Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder of UK Student

The suspects Patrick Essien Etim (aka PATO), Etim Effiong Eyo (aka IT-CAN-HAPPEN), Anthony Essien Etim (aka HUMBLE), Bassey Anthigha Asuquo, Isaac Uwem Ekpeyong (aka Kemzy Stunt), Ekpeyong Effiok Eyo (aka YOBO), and Imoh John Udofa (aka IMOPART) were remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Afokang, Calabar South.

Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oshoghorie of Federal High Court 2 issued the order following an ex parte motion filed by the State Security Service (SSS) in the case: State Security Service v. Patrick Etim & 6 others (FHC/CA/M10/26). The SSS requested court approval to detain the suspects for further investigation and legal guidance.

The court adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026.

The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested the suspects between December 2025 and January 2026 during investigations into kidnapping and other criminal activities in Calabar.

They are implicated in the kidnapping and death of Prof. Ekanem Phillip Ephraim of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. Additionally, they are under investigation for the alleged abduction of Mrs. Eme Udeme Daniel, Dr. Roland Ipuole, Francis Kibe, and James Osim.

The suspects are also linked to vandalism of public electrical infrastructure within Calabar.

Also read: Delta Police Link Rising Murder Cases to Drug Abuse

The court ruling ensures the suspects remain in correctional custody while the Director of Public Prosecutions provides further legal advice on the case.