The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old suspect, Udeme Sunday Stephen, over his alleged involvement in the recent attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and several chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, Edo State.
The incident reportedly occurred last Tuesday at the residence of a prominent ADC figure, John Odigie-Oyegun, in the Edo State capital.
According to the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, the attack happened shortly after Obi and his associates returned from the ADC secretariat, where they had formally received the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate for Edo State, Olumide Akpata, into the party.
Shortly after the incident, the suspect allegedly took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @stevetom788, claiming responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats against Obi.
In a series of posts, Stephen reportedly warned that Obi was fortunate to have escaped the Benin attack and vowed that he “wouldn’t be that lucky next time,” also making references to possible violence in Rivers State.
A security source disclosed that DSS operatives immediately launched a covert investigation following the online threats. Using forensic analysis and digital tracking tools, the agency reportedly traced and apprehended the suspect.
“The outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” the source said. “As a responsible security organisation tasked with counter-espionage and VIP protection, the DSS acted swiftly on credible intelligence. The man who threatened Peter Obi has been arrested and is currently in custody. He will soon be charged in court.”
According to the source, Stephen is a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, located in the Umuehere Community of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The DSS has yet to issue an official public statement on the arrest, but investigations are said to be ongoing.
The development comes amid heightened political tensions, with security agencies reiterating their commitment to protecting political actors and maintaining public order across the country.