DSS Arrests Suspect Who Allegedly Threatened Peter Obi on Social Media
The Department of State Services (DSS) has made a significant arrest in connection with the recent attack on former presidential candidate Peter Obi in Benin City, Edo State. The suspect, identified as Udeme Stephen, has been pictured and is now in custody after allegedly making threatening posts on social media following the incident.
Details of the Attack and Online Threats
Last Tuesday, February 24, Yunusa Tanko, the national coordinator of the Obidient movement, reported that Peter Obi and some African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftains were attacked at the residence of John Odigie-Oyegun, a party leader in Benin City. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, added that his cousin's head was smashed with a bottle during the violent altercation.
Shortly after the attack, a man using the X account @stevetom788, believed to be Udeme Stephen, allegedly claimed responsibility and issued further threats against Peter Obi. In his posts, Stephen stated that Obi was "lucky" to have survived the Benin attack and warned that he would not be spared in future visits, including a planned trip to Rivers State.
He wrote, "We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State but he mistook our resolves to obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he survived this one. I learnt he's going to my Rivers State. No wahala. 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 one."
DSS Investigation and Arrest
According to a security source, DSS operatives immediately launched a covert investigation using forensic tools to track the suspect. The 26-year-old man was traced to Rivers State, where he works as a teacher at Jessica High School in the Eliozu area of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
The source explained, "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 and 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 DSS's prompt action highlights their commitment to addressing threats against public figures and maintaining national security. The suspect is expected to be charged in court soon, as the agency continues its investigations into the broader context of the attack and online threats.
