The Department of State Services has arrested a 26-year-old man, Udeme Sunday Stephen, in connection with the recent attack on former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and some leaders of the African Democratic Congress in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest followed an incident that took place last week at the residence of a former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, where Obi and others had gathered.
The attack happened shortly after Obi and his associates returned from the ADC secretariat in Benin, where they received Olumide Akpata, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Edo State, into the party.
According to reports, unknown persons carried out the assault at the residence, causing damage to vehicles and parts of the property.
After the incident, a man identified as Stephen allegedly took to his social media account on X, using the handle @stevetom788, to claim responsibility for the attack. In his post, he also issued further threats against Obi, warning of more attacks in other states. The post drew the attention of security agencies.
A source within the DSS said that operatives began tracking the suspect immediately after the online threat surfaced. Through forensic investigation and digital tracking, the agency was able to identify and locate him. He was later arrested and taken into custody.
The suspect is said to be a teacher at Jessica High School in the Eliozu area of Rivers State, located in the Umuehere Community of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. Security officials believe the investigation linked him to the threats and the attack in Edo State.
The DSS source stated that the agency acted on credible intelligence and carried out its duties in line with its responsibility to protect public figures and maintain national security. The suspect is currently being held and is expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed.
The attack on Obi has raised concerns among his supporters and members of the Obidient Movement, especially as political activities begin to build ahead of future elections.
Security agencies have not released further details about whether others were involved in the incident.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to ensure that anyone connected to the attack is identified and brought to justice.