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DSS Apprehends Suspects In The 2023 Kidnapping, Murder Of Neurology Professor

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Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the suspects responsible for the July 2023 abduction and murder of Professor Ekanem Philip Ephraim, a prominent neurologist in Cross River State.

 

According to the then Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Cross River State, Dr Felix Archibong, the kidnappers disguised themselves as patients and, while she was attending to them, brought out weapons and whisked her away at about 7:15 p.m.

 

Her abduction led the state chapter of the NMA to withdraw medical services in protest, demanding her rescue.

 

Officials of the DSS, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday, said the suspects—identified as 23-year-old gang leader, Patrick Essien Etim, and Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40—were arrested on December 27 at a medical facility in the state while allegedly planning to kidnap another senior medical practitioner.

 

One of the officials said the DSS had been tracking the gang since July 2023, when Philip-Ephraim was abducted by armed men posing as patients at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar.

 

“Our operatives, on December 27, arrested the leader of the gang and another suspect who kidnapped and murdered a prominent professor of neurology, Ekanem Philip-Ephraim, in 2023.

 

“The gang leader, Patrick Essien Etim, 23, and his accomplice, Bassey Antiha Asuquo, 40, were apprehended at a medical facility in Cross River State.

 

“The duo has confessed to the crime, admitting that they killed the professor after collecting multiple ransom payments from her family.

 

“It has been two years of torment for her loved ones, not knowing what happened to the professor. I believe that, with this arrest, her family and loved ones will finally have some peace and the closure they deserve,” the source said.

 

The source added that the suspects also confessed to kidnapping other victims and vandalizing electricity cables.

 

Another suspect, identified as Isaac Ekpeyong, was also arrested by DSS operatives.

 

According to the source, the arrests reflect the DSS’ continued efforts to disrupt criminal networks and enhance public safety.

 

“This huge breakthrough underscores the commitment of the DSS in reverting to covertness in its operations and restoring public safety across the country,” the source said.

 

 

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Rivers Assembly Suspends Impeachment Move Against Fubara After Tinubu’s Intervention

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially suspended impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

The House moved the motion to halt the impeachment process on Thursday at its resumed sitting in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

JomogNews had reported that during its first sitting of 2026, the House had begun impeachment proceedings against the governor and his deputy over allegations of gross misconduct, including the demolition of the State Assembly complex and alleged spending without legislative approval, among other claims.

More details later….

 

 

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Reserves Surge To $48.5bn As Nigeria Reclaims 2013 Peak Levels

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Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) reserves have reached $48.5 billion, their highest level in nearly 13 years.

This milestone, confirmed by data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), surpasses previous multi-year peaks and represents the strongest balance since May 14, 2013, when reserves stood at approximately $48.51 billion.

However, the data showed that the foreign reserves increased steadily by 6.45 percent or $2.94 billion year-to-date, from $45.56 billion reported on January 1 to $48.5 billion.

Further checks showed that the FX reserves figure was $48.36 billion on Monday.

According to the CBN, FX reserves are assets held on reserve by a monetary authority in foreign currencies, which are used to back liabilities and influence monetary policy.

On December 22, 2025, the apex bank projected that the country’s external reserves would rise to $51.04 billion in 2026, saying the increase will be supported by FX reforms.

“Reforms in the foreign exchange market are expected to sustain exchange rate stability, while external reserves are projected to increase to US$51.04 billion,” CBN said.

On February 10, Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the bank will do “whatever it takes” to safeguard the value of the naira, while strengthening the country’s external reserves.

Looking ahead to 2030, he said the CBN’s targets include achieving single-digit inflation and growing foreign exchange (FX) reserves driven by non-oil exports, foreign direct investment, and diaspora remittances.

 

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Ogun Police Launch Investigation Into TikToker Mirabel’s Sexual Assault Claims

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The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a TikToker known as Mirabel (@mirab351), who is currently receiving treatment in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

The case gained widespread attention after she posted emotional videos on Monday, February 16, detailing an attack she claimed occurred at her home the previous Sunday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Brief.

Babaseyi confirmed that Mirabel voluntarily visited the Ibafo Police Division on Tuesday, February 17, to lodge a formal complaint and was subsequently admitted to the hospital for medical care due to her unstable condition.

“When the DPO in Ibafo met with her, she was taken to the hospital for medical analysis. She wasn’t as stable as necessary, but we ensured the investigation continued.

“As we speak, she is in the intensive care unit getting appropriate care. Her medical well-being is more important to us at this point. When she is stable, we can now continue investigations and get the necessary facts,” Babaseyi said.

According to Babaseyi, the incident reportedly occurred in Ogijo, a border community between Ogun and Lagos states.

The police have established that Mirabel was not arrested, but rather, she is being treated as a victim.

The command urges individuals with useful information to come forward and assist with the investigation.

“She was not arrested by the police. She reported a case, and we are investigating. Nothing like her arrest happened,” he said.

“If the allegation is established to be true, the perpetrator will be arrested and charged to court appropriately. Otherwise, the law also addresses giving false information,” the police stated.

The police said they will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion and take appropriate action.

“We advise people not to jump to conclusions based on emotions. We are investigating and will rely on evidence to reach a logical conclusion,” Babaseyi said.

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