The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested 26-year-old teacher Udeme for his alleged involvement in threats and the February 24 shooting incident targeting former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition figures in Benin City, Edo State.
The move marks the first solid breakthrough since the tense shooting scare that followed Obi’s visit to Benin, an episode that has continued to stir political debate as the country edges towards the 2027 election season.
Confirming the development on Monday, a top security source told our correspondent, “Yes, it is true.”
According to Vanguard, it was reliably gathered that DSS operatives swung into action shortly after Stephen allegedly posted threatening messages on his X handle, where he claimed responsibility for the attack and issued fresh threats.
In one of the posts cited by investigators, the suspect wrote: “We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he (Obi) 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. Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die.”
Sources said forensic analysis helped track the suspect, who was later arrested in a covert operation. He remains in DSS custody and is expected to be charged in court.
A top source disclosed: “I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect.
“You know that, as a responsible security organisation saddled with the task of counter-espionage, VIP protection, among other asset protection duties, the DSS is always alive to its responsibility of investigating credible intelligence, irrespective of tribe or religion.
“They swiftly deployed operatives and the man who threatened Peter Obi was nabbed and is in custody.”
The February 24 incident occurred shortly after Obi, former Edo State governor and ex-APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, attended a political meeting in Benin.
Armed men were reported to have opened fire near Oyegun’s GRA residence after trailing the convoy from the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street.
The attackers riddled the gate, vehicles and parts of the compound before fleeing when security personnel responded. No casualties were recorded.
Obi’s allies and leaders of the Obidient Movement described the episode as a premeditated assassination attempt and criticised security lapses, while the Edo State Government rejected the claim and dismissed suggestions of official involvement as politically motivated.
The Police earlier confirmed receiving distress calls and reinforcing security in the area, noting at the time that investigations were ongoing.
With Stephen now in custody, security agencies say the probe remains open as efforts continue to determine whether others were involved in the Benin gunfire incident.
