The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old teacher, Udeme Sunday Stephen, over his alleged connection to threats and the February 24 gunfire incident involving former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest marks the first major breakthrough since the shooting scare that trailed Obi’s visit to Benin, an episode that has continued to generate political debate as the country gradually approaches the 2027 election season.
A senior security source confirmed the development on Monday, simply stating, “Yes, it is true.”
Security sources said DSS operatives moved in after Stephen posted threatening messages on his X account, claiming responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats against Obi.
In one of the posts cited by investigators, the suspect allegedly wrote: “We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he 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.”
Investigators reportedly relied on forensic analysis to track the suspect’s digital footprint before carrying out a covert operation that led to his arrest. He is currently in DSS custody and is expected to be charged in court.
A top security official said the arrest followed credible intelligence gathering. “The outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect. As a security organisation responsible for counter-espionage and VIP protection, the DSS investigates all credible threats irrespective of tribe or religion,” the source said.
The February 24 incident occurred shortly after Obi, former Edo State governor and ex-APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, alongside leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), attended a political meeting in Benin.
Gunmen reportedly opened fire near Odigie-Oyegun’s residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) after allegedly trailing the convoy from the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street.
The attackers shot at the gate, vehicles and parts of the compound before fleeing as security personnel responded. No casualties were recorded.
Obi’s allies and leaders of the Obidient Movement described the incident as a premeditated assassination attempt and criticised what they termed security lapses. However, the Edo State Government dismissed claims of official involvement, describing them as politically motivated.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier confirmed receiving distress calls and deploying reinforcement to the area, noting that investigations were ongoing.
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