The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect, Udeme Sunday Stephen, believed to be linked to the attack on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, the Edo State capital.

 

According to a report by Channels Television, the secret police apprehended the suspect following what was described as a detailed investigation.

 

Obi, alongside former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), John Oyegun, and several leaders and members of the ADC, narrowly escaped death on February 24 when armed men reportedly opened fire during a political meeting in Benin.

 

It was learnt that shortly after the attack, a man identified as Udeme Monday Stephen allegedly posted on his X handle, @stevetom788, claiming responsibility for the incident and issuing further threats against Obi.

 

In the post, Stephen allegedly stated that Obi was fortunate to have escaped the Benin attack and warned that the former presidential candidate would not be as lucky next time, referencing a possible visit to Rivers State.

 

A counter-insurgency and security expert focused on the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the arrest in a post shared via his official X handle on Monday.

 

Citing a top security source, Makama stated that immediately after the threat surfaced online, DSS operatives launched a covert investigation, deploying forensic tools to trace and apprehend the suspect.

 

According to the source, Stephen is a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, located in the 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 source was quoted as saying.

 

The source added that, as a counter-espionage and VIP protection agency, the DSS treats credible intelligence with utmost seriousness, irrespective of tribe or religion.

 

“They swiftly deployed operatives and the man who threatened Peter Obi was nabbed and is in custody,” the source said.

 

The suspect is expected to be charged to court in due course.