DSS nabs suspect over Benin attack, threats against Peter Obi

The Department of State Services has arrested a 26-year-old man over his alleged involvement in the recent attack on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State.

Obi, alongside former Edo State governor John Oyegun and other leaders and members of the opposition All Democratic Congress (ADC), narrowly escaped harm on February 24 when gunmen reportedly opened fire at their party meeting in the state capital.

Following the incident, a man identified as Udeme Monday Stephen allegedly took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, @stevetom788, claiming responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats against Obi.

In the posts, the suspect allegedly warned that Obi was “lucky” to have survived the Benin incident and vowed that he would not be spared in any subsequent visit, including a planned trip to Rivers State.

A senior security source disclosed that operatives of the DSS immediately launched a covert investigation after the online threats surfaced. Using forensic analysis and intelligence tracking, the agency reportedly identified and apprehended the suspect.

According to the source, Stephen is a teacher at Jessica High School in the Eliozu area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The source said preliminary forensic findings linked the suspect to the threats and possibly the attack, prompting his arrest. He is currently in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court soon.

The DSS, which is responsible for counter-espionage, VIP protection and other national security duties, has not yet issued an official public statement on the arrest.