Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26‑year‑old man in connection with online threats made against political leader Peter Obi following a violent incident in Benin City, Edo State earlier this year.
The suspect, Udeme Monday Stephen, was taken into custody after he reportedly took to social media to claim responsibility for a shooting attack and threaten further violence against Obi and other opposition figures. Security officials say his arrest was part of an expanded investigation into both the original attack and subsequent online posts that authorities deemed credible threats to public safety.
The gunfire incident in question occurred on 24 February 2026, when Obi, former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman John Oyegun, and several members of the African Democratic Congress were targeted during a political gathering in Edo State. No fatalities were reported in the attack.
Following the incident, Stephen allegedly posted on the social platform X (formerly Twitter) from the account @stevetom788, asserting that Obi was “lucky to have escaped” and vowing that he would not be as fortunate on a planned trip to Rivers State.
DSS operatives used digital forensics and investigative techniques to track and apprehend Stephen, who security sources say works as a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Obio‑Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. He remains in custody as the intelligence agency continues its inquiry.
The DSS noted that the arrest reflects its mandate to protect public figures and investigate credible threats irrespective of the suspect’s background, amid heightened political activity ahead of Nigeria’s upcoming general elections.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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