DSS Arrests Man Over Alleged Threat to Peter Obi

Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old man who allegedly claimed responsibility for last week’s attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi and issued fresh threats against him.

The suspect, identified as Udeme Stephen, was traced to Rivers State, where he reportedly works as a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. According to a security source familiar with the investigation, DSS operatives tracked him through forensic analysis of his social media activity after he published posts on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @stevetom788.

In the posts, the suspect appeared to take credit for the attack on Obi in Benin City and warned of further violence during a planned visit to Rivers State. Security sources said investigators moved swiftly after the messages surfaced online, deploying digital forensic tools to verify the account holder’s identity and location.

“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” the source said, adding that operatives subsequently arrested him. The suspect is currently in custody and is expected to be charged in court.

Attack in Benin City and Political Fallout

The attack on Obi occurred last Tuesday at the Benin City residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The incident happened shortly after a political meeting at the party’s secretariat, where Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, was formally received into the ADC.

Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said several vehicles were damaged during the incident, and the gate of the residence was reportedly shot at. Akpata later disclosed that his cousin sustained a head injury after being struck with a bottle during the disturbance.

Obidient Movement demands federal probe after Edo attack on Peter Obi

The arrest comes amid rising political tensions. The ADC has announced plans to file a suit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice against the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that statements made by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, amounted to incitement before the attack. The governor has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Security authorities have not disclosed further operational details but have maintained that the investigation followed due process. Officials indicated that the suspect would be formally charged once preliminary procedures are completed.

The development highlights increasing concerns over politically charged rhetoric and online threats, as security agencies intensify efforts to monitor and respond to potential incitement and acts of violence linked to public figures.