The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of orchestrating the recent attempt on the life of 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State.
Obi, a former governor of Edo State, alongside Chief John Oyegun and several All Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains and members, narrowly escaped death on February 24 when armed assailants opened fire during a party meeting in Benin.
Shortly after the attack, the suspect, identified as Udeme Monday Stephen, posted on his X account (@stevetom788), claiming responsibility and threatening further attacks against Obi, warning that the former presidential candidate would not be as fortunate next time.
According to a top security source, DSS operatives immediately launched operations to track and apprehend Stephen following the threat. The suspect, a high school teacher in Eliozu, Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State, was swiftly arrested.
The DSS statement notes that forensic investigations strongly implicated Stephen in the attack. The agency, which is responsible for counter-espionage and VIP protection, emphasized that it acted swiftly to investigate credible intelligence, regardless of tribe or religion.
Stephen is expected to be charged to court in the coming days.
