By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a suspect allegedly linked to threats and an attack on the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and some chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday, February 24.
The suspect, a 26-year-old teacher identified as Udeme Sunday Stephen, was arrested by the DSS after a ‘thorough investigation.’
According to sources, DSS operatives swung into action shortly after Stephen allegedly posted threatening messages on his X handle, where he claimed responsibility for the attack and issued fresh threats.
In one of the posts, the suspect wrote: “We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thanks to his stars, he (Obi) 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.”
Sources also confirmed that forensic analysis helped track the suspect, who was later arrested in a covert operation.
They added that he remains in DSS custody and is expected to be charged in court.
“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect.
“You know that, as a responsible security organisation saddled with the task of counter-espionage, VIP protection, among other asset protection duties, the DSS is always alive to its responsibility of investigating credible intelligence, irrespective of tribe or religion.
“They swiftly deployed operatives, and the man who threatened Peter Obi was nabbed and is in custody,” the source disclosed.
The February 24 incident occurred shortly after Obi, former Edo State governor and ex-APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and leaders of the ADC attended a political meeting in Benin.
Armed men were reported to have shot sporadically near Oyegun’s GRA residence after trailing the convoy from the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street.
The attackers riddled the gate, vehicles, and parts of the compound before fleeing when security personnel responded.
The Police confirmed that no casualties were recorded, adding that it received distress calls and reinforced security in the area.
