Crime

DSS Foils Fresh Kidnap, Arrests Professor’s Killers

By Web News 408

Operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, have arrested two suspected kidnappers linked to the 2023 abduction and killing of a neurology professor, Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, in Cross River State.

Professor Philip-Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, from her office in Calabar, and was later confirmed murdered by her captors.

According to the then Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State, Dr Felix Archibong, the kidnappers posed as patients, drew weapons while she attended to them, and abducted her around 7:15 p.m.

The abduction sparked outrage across the medical community, forcing the Cross River chapter of the NMA to withdraw services in protest while demanding her rescue.

DSS officials, who spoke anonymously on Monday, said operatives arrested the suspects on December 27, 2025, at a medical facility in the state while they were allegedly planning to kidnap another senior medical practitioner.

The suspects were identified as Patrick Essien Etim, 23, the alleged gang leader, and Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40.

Security sources disclosed that the DSS had tracked the gang since July 2023, when armed men abducted the professor from her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar, under the guise of seeking medical care.

“Our operatives arrested the leader of the gang and another accomplice responsible for the kidnapping and murder of Professor Ekanem Philip-Ephraim,” a source said.

The suspects have confessed, admitting that they killed her after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family.”

Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

The source added that the arrests may finally bring closure to the professor’s family after two years of uncertainty and grief.

The suspects also reportedly confessed to kidnapping other victims and vandalising electricity infrastructure.

In a related development, DSS operatives also arrested another suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, in connection with the criminal network.

According to the DSS, the arrests underscore the agency’s renewed focus on covert operations aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates and strengthening public safety nationwide.

Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Security

Eid-El-Fitr: Report any suspicious activity – DSS

By Web News 419

By Rasheedah Makinde

The Department of State Services, DSS, has urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities during the Eid-El-Fitr celebration.

The service had urged citizens to be vigilant against public dangers, especially Improvised Explosive Devices, urging Nigerians to stay informed about potential threats and avoid crowded or suspicious areas.

A statement, by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, DSS, Peter Afunanya, assured Nigerians that the service would collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the security of the citizens during the festive period.

The statement advises people to be security conscious and report suspicious activities to security and law enforcement organisations.

It says the DSS will sustain its collaboration with sister security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure hitch-free celebrations.

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Judiciary

Court Adjourns Kanu’s Trial till Next Year

By Web News 629

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of the detained leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, until the 19th of January, next year.

The adjournment came after Kanu’s team of lawyers, staged a protest over the refusal of operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, to allow some of them to gain access into the courtroom.

When the matter came up, Mazi Kanu told the court that Mr. Bruce Fein, who he said was handling a case for him in the US, was denied access to witness his trial and would not want the court to conduct the proceedings in the absence of his lawyers.

Meanwhile, counsel to the Federal government, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who is also the Director of Public Prosecution, urged the court to proceed with the trial in the absence of Kanu’s lawyers.

Mr. Abubakar argued that Kanu’s lead counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who was initially inside the courtroom, walked out with his team shortly before the arrival of the judge, his pending application should be abandoned.

In a short ruling, though Justice Binta Nyako expressed displeasure over the conduct of Kanu’s lawyers and therefore adjourned the matter for trial.

Ifeoma Okpala

Crime

EFCC Acting Chairman, Magu Reportedly Arrested, DSS Debunks Rumour

By Web News 721

Personnel of the Department of State Services, DSS were reportedly said to have arrested the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu.

The Acting EFCC boss was said to have been picked up at the Wuse II, Abuja office of the EFCC for allegedly siphoning part of the money recovered by the commission from suspected looters.

Magu’s security details reportedly put up a stiff resistance to prevent the DSS move.

It would be recalled that about two weeks ago, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), reportedly lodged a complaint about Magu’s conduct to President Muhammadu Buhari, advising that he should be relieved of his appointment.

Abubakar Malami (SAN) was said to have accused Magu of insubordination, pointing out that there were discrepancies in the figures of funds recovered by the EFCC.

However, DSS in a press release signed by Public Relations Officer, DSS National Headquaters, Peter Afunanya, debunked the report by sections of the media, stating that it did not arrest Ibrahim Magu.

Dr Afunanya explained that the service had been inundated with enquiries over mthe alleged arrest.  

Text of Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

MAGU, NOT ARRESTED BY DSS

The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the public that it did not arrest Ibrahim MAGU, Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as has been reported by sections of the media. The Service, has since, today, 6th July, 2020, been inundated with enquiries over the alleged arrest.

Peter Afunanya, Ph.D

Public Relations Officer, 

Department of State Services,

National Headquarters,

Abuja

6th July, 2020

Adebukola Aluko/Simeon Ugbodovon

Crime

Defamation of OSHA Speaker: Facebook User in Hot Water

By Web News 972 Post a comment

A facebook user identified as Sayo Oki has been arrested by Department of State Services, (DSS) for allegedly publishing defaming pictures of the Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye. 

The Facebook user was consequently dragged before a Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo over defaming pictures of the speaker accompanied with contemptuous words published on his facebook page. 

The Prosecutor, Mr B.O Nweke told the court that the accused person committed the offence last week Friday, 19th of June, 2020 in Osogbo.

He stated that the offence committed by the accused person was contrary to Section 374(1)b & 374 and punishable under Section 375 of the Criminal Code Cap 34, Vol. 2 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the offence, while his Counsel, Mr Ibraheem Imran applied for the bail of the accused person in the most liberal term.

The Magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele granted the bail of the accused person in the sum of ₦100,000 with 2 sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to the  14the of July 2020 for hearing.

Akionla Adenitan