DSS Arrests Suspect Over Alleged Assassination Attempt On Peter Obi In Benin
The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken into custody a man accused of orchestrating the recent attack on Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State.
The incident occurred while Obi was attending a political meeting in Benin alongside former Edo State Governor John Oyegun and other figures within the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Armed men reportedly stormed the gathering and fired gunshots, causing chaos before fleeing the scene.
Soon after the attack, a social media user identified as Udeme Monday Stephen, operating the X handle @stevetom788, publicly claimed responsibility. In his posts, he not only boasted about the Benin incident but also threatened further action against Obi.
“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.”
Security sources revealed that immediately after the threats surfaced online, DSS operatives initiated a covert probe, using forensic technology to trace the suspect. The investigation reportedly led to the arrest of the 26-year-old Udeme Monday Stephen.
According to insiders, Stephen is a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State, situated within the Umuehere Community in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area. A security source maintained that forensic findings strongly linked him to the threats and alleged plot.
In a related development, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has instructed public officials under his administration who intend to contest the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments.
The directive, contained in a February 28, 2026 statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, set March 1, 2025 as the deadline for compliance. The government explained that the move is designed to ensure transparency, fairness and institutional neutrality ahead of the electoral season.
“Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.
“All affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.”
Following the order, two officials — Deputy Chief of Staff Pius Alile and Edo State Audit Service member Terry Igiebor — have reportedly stepped down to pursue their political ambitions for 2027.
