Six remanded over kidnap, murder of UNICAL professor, others
Federal High Court Orders Detention of Six Suspects in Kidnap and Murder Case
The Federal High Court in Calabar has mandated the remand of six individuals in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of a University of Calabar professor and related offenses.
The suspects include Patrick Essien Etim, also known as PATO; Etim Effiong Eyo, referred to as IT-CAN-HAPPEN; Anthony Essien Etim, known as HUMBLE; Bassey Anthigha Asuquo; Isaac Uwem Ekpeyong, identified as Kemzy Stunt; Ekpeyong Effiok Eyo, or YOBO; and Imoh John Udofa, commonly referred to as IMOPART. They have been placed in custody at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Afokang, in Calabar South.
Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oshoghorie presided over the case, in which the court granted an ex parte motion filed by the State Security Service (SSS). The matter is officially designated as suit No. FHC/CA/M10/26: State Security Service v. Patrick Etim & six others.
The SSS sought permission from the court to detain the suspects while it continues its investigation and prepares legal recommendations. The request was approved, and the court ordered that the defendants remain in correctional custody until further advice is provided by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The case has been adjourned until April 21, 2026.
The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) between December 2025 and January 2026 during investigations into alleged kidnapping and other criminal activities in Calabar and surrounding areas. They are implicated in the kidnapping and subsequent death of Professor Ekanem Phillip Ephraim from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, as well as the reported abductions of Mrs. Eme Udeme Daniel, Dr. Roland Ipuole, Francis Kibe, and James Osim.
Additionally, they are under investigation for alleged vandalism of public electrical infrastructure in Calabar.
