Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the alleged leader of a kidnap gang and an accomplice responsible for the 2023 abduction and murder of renowned neurology professor, Ekanem Philip Ephraim.

A credible security source confirmed that 23-year-old Patrick Essien Etim, identified as the gang leader, and 40-year-old Bassey Antiha Asuquo were apprehended on December 27 at a medical facility in Cross River State.

The duo were reportedly plotting to kidnap another prominent medical professional when DSS operatives swooped in.

The arrests bring a major breakthrough in the case that has haunted the medical community for over two years. Prof. Ephraim was abducted on July 13, 2023, by gunmen posing as patients at her private clinic on Atimbo Road, Calabar.

Her kidnapping triggered widespread protests and an indefinite strike by the Cross River State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), which paralyzed the health sector for over a week as doctors demanded government action for her rescue.

According to the source, the DSS had been intensively tracking the syndicate since the professor’s abduction. The suspects have confessed to killing Prof. Ephraim after receiving multiple ransom payments from her family. They also admitted to involvement in other kidnappings and the vandalism of electricity cables, with a third suspect, Isaac Ekpeyong, arrested in connection to these crimes.

“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 much-needed closure they deserve,” the source stated.

The development underscores the DSS’s renewed focus on covert operations and restoring public safety, the source added.

Investigations are ongoing, with the suspects expected to face prosecution.

Nollywood has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of popular Yoruba actress, producer, director, and singer Allwell Ademola. She was 43 years old.

Reports indicate that Ademola collapsed at her residence and was rushed by a neighbor to Ancilla Hospital in Agege, Lagos, where she was pronounced dead. Unconfirmed sources suggest she suffered a heart attack.

The news broke earlier today, with filmmaker Seun Oloketuyi initially sharing the information on Instagram (in a post that was later deleted). Colleagues quickly reacted on social media, expressing shock and grief.

Actress Faithia Williams posted: “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.”

Mide Martins wrote on Facebook: “BLACK SATURDAY……This is not fair😭 May God forgive your shortcomings Allwell😭😭😭”

Actor Damola Olatunji shared a candlelight image with the caption: “Life is a mirage.”

Allwell Ademola, born August 9, 1982, was a granddaughter of the late Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, Nigeria’s first indigenous Chief Justice. She began her career as a child actor and rose to prominence in Yoruba-language films, producing several movies and mentoring upcoming talents in the industry.

Her passing marks another loss for Nollywood in 2025, leaving fans and colleagues devastated by the abrupt end to a vibrant career. Details surrounding the incident remain limited as family and friends process the tragedy.

More than 1,065 people paid their last respects to Olive Chelsey Chikperem Onwubuya, buried today, December 27, at the Epe cemetery in Lagos.

Olive, born on January 16, 1991 (34 ), would have turned 35 years on January 16, 2026, but died on November 19, 2025, as a result of a brief illness.

Olive, the CEO / Founder of Medical Apparels and O’exotic Drinks – SI WELL, left behind her husband, Caleb Onwubuya, two children (Sterling and Sheryl), her parents, Smart Mbagwu and Nkeiru Mbagwu, including her siblings, Smart Jnr, Carlson, and Fortune, as well as uncles and aunts, etc.

FUNERAL DISCOURSE

Joshua James Olufemi, a minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses, delivered the funeral discourse held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, located at the Elf bus stop in Lekki, Lagos.

He told the over 1, 000 audience in- person /Zoom, that Olive, a regular pioneer – devoting 50 hours each month to helping others learn about God’s kingdom, had strong faith in her God Jehovah, and she served Him faithfully till death.

•Olive’s coffin is being taken out for burial after the funeral discourse in the Kingdom Hall .

Emphasising the Bible’s hope for the dead at John 3: 28, 29., Acts 24: 15, the minister assured the bereaved family and friends: “Olive has just lived the first phase of her life; in the future, she will be resurrected to live forever on a paradise earth.”

He added that while alive, Olive made a good name with God and was a source of comfort to every life she touched.

He said: ” A funeral reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life (Ec 9:11). The reality of death makes us think about how we are using our life (Ps 90:12).

By the way we live, we can make “a good name” with Jehovah God (Ec 7:1-4). Jesus said for us to store up treasures in heaven (Mt 6:19-21).

By our zealous works and godly conduct, we share in sanctifying Jehovah’s name (Pr 27:11)

The resurrection hope provides an incentive to learn and do God’s will (1Co 15:58; 1Ti 2:3, 4).

Those who do so can be certain that they will soon see their resurrected loved ones again.

We should use this occasion and the days ahead to comfort one another (1Th 5:11). As fellow believers, we can remind one another of our sure hope and provide emotional support (Pr 17:17).

We prayerfully look to Jehovah to give needed strength until he provides permanent relief (Ps 9:9, 10).”

MY OBIDIYA

•The couple and their children, Sterling and Sheryl. Credit: family album

In a memoir, Caleb Onwubuya, the husband of the deceased , recalled how they met the first time and fell in love: ” After a friend connected us, I already knew she was the one for me. She followed me. She supported me, respected me; loved me, protected me and prayed for me and grew with me.

We had a stable family, a spiritually conscious family …but death snatched her away from me.

Now, I feel empty and helpless without her but I am consoled by the hope of Resurrection. I will dearly miss my OBIDIYA. Till we see again in paradise.”

Meanwhile, Caleb Onwubuya and his family associate with the Cooperative Road Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Ajah, Lagos.

“A funeral reminds us of the brevity and uncertainty of life (Ec 9:11). The reality of death makes us think about how we are using our lives (Ps 90:12).”