DSS Nabs Suspect Over Edo Gun Attack on Peter Obi

DSS Nabs Suspect Over Edo Gun Attack on Peter Obi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with the recent gun attack targeting Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Edo State.

The arrest follows the February 24 incident in Benin City, where armed men reportedly opened fire during a political meeting attended by Obi, former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and other opposition figures.

The leaders escaped unhurt in what observers described as a brazen attack that heightened political tensions in the state.

Security sources said the suspect, identified as Udeme Monday Stephen, was apprehended on Monday after allegedly claiming responsibility for the attack in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Using the handle @stevetom788, the suspect reportedly boasted that Obi was “lucky” to have survived the Edo incident and issued further threats ahead of the former Anambra governor’s anticipated visit to Rivers State.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, DSS operatives swiftly initiated a covert operation once the online threats surfaced. Digital forensic tools were deployed to trace the origin of the posts, which allegedly led investigators to the suspect.

The source disclosed that Stephen, said to be a teacher at Jessica High School in the Eliozu area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, was tracked and taken into custody without incident.

“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” the source said, noting that the service acted on credible intelligence.

The DSS, which is responsible for counter-espionage and VIP protection among other national security duties, was said to have treated the threat as serious, given the prominence of those involved. The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The February 24 attack has continued to draw condemnation from political stakeholders, who warn against the escalation of violence ahead of future political activities.