The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended a 26-year-old man, Udeme Stephen, for allegedly claiming responsibility for the recent attack on the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.
Stephen was arrested following a threat he posted on his X account, @stevetom788, immediately after armed men fired bullets at the African Democratic Congress secretariat and Chief John Odigie-Oyegun’s residence in Benin, Edo State.
Obi, Odigie-Oyegun, Olumide Akpata, a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association, and a few ADC officials attended the ceremony.
In his post, Stephen threatened Obi again and took credit for the incident.
He threatened that Obi would not be “that lucky next time,” claiming that his associates will target the former presidential candidate during a scheduled visit to Rivers State.
He claimed that Obi was fortunate to have escaped the attack in Benin.
“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 learned he’s going to my Rivers State… Nah, my men will handle that one, and they don’t miss targets…
“Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die,” Udeme posted.
Speaking on Monday, a senior security source revealed that as soon as the threat was made, the DSS started a secret probe.
The source went on to say that in order to locate the individual, agents used forensic analysis.
He recognized Stephen as an instructor at Jessica High School in Eliozu, which is situated in Rivers State’s Umuehere Community of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
“No sooner had Stephen issued the threat than DSS operatives began a covert investigation, deploying forensic analysis to track and arrest him.
“The suspect is 26 years old, called Udeme Monday Stephen, and teaches at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State, at Umuehere Community, in Obio-Akpor LGA of the state.
“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect.
“Stephen is currently in custody and will soon be charged in court,” the statement said.
