The Department of State Services has apprehended a 26-year-old man over his alleged involvement in threats linked to the recent attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State.
Obi had attended a political meeting alongside former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Oyegun, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress when gunmen reportedly opened fire on February 24, forcing participants to flee.
Security reports indicated that shortly after the incident, the suspect, identified as Udeme Monday Stephen, allegedly made posts on social media claiming responsibility and issuing further threats against the former presidential candidate.
The posts, which circulated online, reportedly warned of additional attacks, prompting heightened concern among political observers and security agencies.
A security analyst covering the Lake Chad region, Zagazola Makama, disclosed the arrest on Monday, citing information obtained from intelligence sources.
According to the report, DSS operatives launched an investigation immediately after the threats emerged, using digital tracking and forensic analysis to trace the suspect’s identity and location.
Sources said the suspect, believed to be a school teacher in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, was subsequently arrested and is currently in custody.
The agency was said to be concluding investigations, after which the suspect is expected to be arraigned in court.
