The Federal High Court of Nigeria sitting in Calabar has ordered the remand of seven suspects in connection with the kidnapping and death of Professor Ekanem Phillip Ephraim and other alleged criminal activities in Cross River State.

Presiding judge, Rosemary Dugbo Oshoghorie, directed that Patrick Essien Etim, also known as Pato; Etim Effiong Eyo, alias IT-Can-Happen; Anthony Essien Etim, known as Humble; Bassey Anthigha Asuquo; Isaac Uwem Ekpeyong, also called Kemzy Stunt; Ekpeyong Effiok Eyo, alias Yobo; and Imoh John Udofa, known as Imopart, be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Afokang.

The order followed a Motion Ex-parte filed by the Department of State Services in suit number FHC/CA/M10/26 between the State Security Service and Patrick Etim and six others, seeking the court’s approval to detain the suspects pending legal advice.

Justice Oshoghorie granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 21, 2026, for further proceedings after the Director of Public Prosecutions issues advice on the case.

The suspects were arrested by DSS operatives between December 2025 and January 2026 following investigations into alleged kidnapping operations and related crimes in Calabar and surrounding communities.

Investigators linked the suspects to the abduction and death of Professor Ephraim of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, as well as the kidnappings of Mrs. Eme Udeme Daniel, Dr. Roland Ipuole, Francis Kibe, and James Osim.

They are also being investigated over the alleged vandalism of public electricity infrastructure within the Calabar metropolis.