The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of masterminding the recent attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Obi narrowly escaped death on February 24 when armed men reportedly opened fire as he drove into the home of former Edo State governor, John Oyegun, for meeting with several chieftains and members of the All Democratic Congress (ADC). No fatalities were recorded, but the incident heightened tensions within the state’s political space.
Shortly after the attack, a man identified as Udeme Monday Stephen allegedly took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, @stevetom788, claiming responsibility and issuing further threats against Obi.
In a series of alarming posts, the suspect reportedly boasted that Obi was “lucky” to have survived the Benin incident and warned of another attack should the former Anambra State governor visit Rivers State.
“We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he survived this one… I learnt he’s going to my Rivers State… Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target… Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die,” the post read.
A top security source disclosed that DSS operatives immediately launched a covert investigation following the online threats. According to the source, the agency deployed forensic analysis and intelligence tracking tools to trace the suspect.
The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of Stephen, who is said to be a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Umuehere Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” the security source said.
The source emphasized that the DSS, as a security organisation responsible for counter-espionage and VIP protection, acted swiftly upon receiving credible intelligence.
“They swiftly deployed operatives and the man who threatened Peter Obi was nabbed and is in custody,” the source added, noting that the suspect would soon be charged to court.
The DSS has yet to issue an official public statement on the arrest, but the development is expected to further intensify discussions around political security and rising tensions ahead of future electoral activities.
