Courtroom remands suspected killers of UniCal lecturer 

The Federal Excessive Courtroom sitting in Calabar Wednesday ordered the remand of seven suspects within the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Afokang, Calabar South, over the kidnap and homicide of College of Calabar (UniCal) don, Professor Ekanem Ephraim.

The presiding choose, Justice Rosemary Dugbo Oshoghorie, who gave the order, mentioned they’re to be remanded pending recommendation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). She thereafter adjourned the case to April 21, 2026.

The suspects are Patrick Essien Etim, also referred to as PATO; Etim Effiong Eyo, alias IT-CAN-HAPPEN; Anthony Essien Etim, generally known as HUMBLE; Bassey Antigha Asuquo; Isaac Uwem Ekpeyong, additionally known as Kemzy Stunt; Ekpeyong Effiok Eyo, alias YOBO; and Imoh John Udofa, generally known as IMOPART.

They have been linked to the kidnapping and loss of life of late Professor Ekanem Phillip Ephraim of the College of Calabar Instructing Hospital, in addition to the kidnappings of Mrs. Eme Udeme Daniel, Dr. Roland Ipuole, Francis Kibe and James Osim.

The suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Division of State Companies (DSS) on numerous dates, between December 2025 and January 2026, following investigations right into a collection of kidnapping and prison actions inside Calabar and its environs.

They’re additionally being held over allegations of a number of vandalism of public electrical infrastructure in Calabar.

In case quantity FHC/CA/M10/26, State Safety Service Versus Patrick Etim and 6 others, the safety company filed a Movement Exparte asking for an order to detain the suspects.