DSS Apprehends Suspect in Assassination Attempt on Peter Obi and ADC Chieftains


By Ruben Mario Brodrick 

-​ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Department of State Services (DSS) has announced the arrest of a 26-year-old man, Udeme Monday Stephen, suspected of orchestrating the recent violent attack on 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City.

​The arrest comes just days after a narrow escape for Obi, former Edo State Governor Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and several leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who were targeted by gunmen during a political meeting on February 24, 2026.

​The Digital Trail: From Threats to Handcuffs

​The breakthrough in the investigation began when a user on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), operating under the handle @stevetom788, brazenly claimed responsibility for the Edo assault.

​In a series of chilling posts, the suspect, now identified as Stephen, mocked the victims and vowed that Obi would not be as "lucky" during his upcoming visit to Rivers State.

​"We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State... Thank his stars he survived this one... Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target," one post read.


​Security sources revealed that the DSS immediately deployed advanced forensic analysis and covert tracking to locate the source of the threats.

​The Suspect’s Profile

​In a surprising twist, investigators traced the suspect to a classroom rather than a typical criminal hideout.

  • ​Identity: Udeme Monday Stephen, 26.
  • ​Profession: Teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State.
  • ​Location of Arrest: Umuehere Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

​Recap of the Benin Assault

​The initial attack occurred last Tuesday after Obi and ADC officials left the party’s secretariat in Benin to visit Chief Oyegun’s residence. Armed men in unmarked vehicles trailed the convoy and opened fire, damaging several vehicles and the entrance gate of the residence.

​While no lives were lost, the incident sparked national outrage and raised questions about political tolerance and security as the country approaches the 2027 election cycle.

​Next Steps for the Prosecution

​A high-ranking DSS source confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to identify his associates.

​"The DSS remains alive to its responsibility of protecting VIPs and investigating credible intelligence, irrespective of tribe or religion," the source stated.


​Udeme Monday Stephen is expected to be charged in court shortly to face counts related to terrorism, attempted assassination, and cyber-threats.

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