ABUJA- The Department of State Services (DSS) has apprehended a 26-year-old teacher, identified as Udeme, for his alleged involvement in threats and the February 24 gunfire incident targeting former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and other opposition figures in Benin City, Edo State.
This marks the first significant breakthrough in the investigation following the tense shooting scare that occurred during Obi’s visit to Benin, an event that continues to spark political discussions ahead of the 2027 elections.
A senior security source confirmed the arrest, stating, “Yes, it is true.” Vanguard reports that DSS operatives acted swiftly after Udeme allegedly posted threatening messages on his X account, taking responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats. In one post cited by investigators, Udeme wrote: “We warned Obi against entering Edo State, but he mistook our resolve. Thank his stars he survived. Next time, my men will handle him, and they never miss.”
Forensic analysis played a key role in tracking down Udeme, who was arrested during a covert operation. He remains in DSS custody and is expected to face court charges. A security official emphasized that the DSS acted on credible intelligence, asserting, “As a responsible security agency, the DSS investigates threats regardless of tribe or religion. We swiftly deployed operatives, and the individual who threatened Peter Obi is now in custody.”
The February 24 incident occurred after Obi, former Edo State governor and ex-APC national chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, and African Democratic Congress leaders attended a political meeting in Benin. Gunmen reportedly fired at Oyegun’s GRA residence after trailing the convoy, damaging the gate, vehicles, and compound before fleeing. No casualties were reported.
While Obi’s allies labeled the event a premeditated assassination attempt and criticized security lapses, the Edo State Government dismissed suggestions of official complicity. Security agencies have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing to determine if additional individuals were involved in the attack.