The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested 26-year-old Udeme Stephen for justifying and making threats of an assassination attempt on foremost opposition figure and former Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Stephen made the dangerous submission on social media after Obi escaped gunshots fired into the home of his host, Chief John Odogie-Oyegun in Benin City,. capital of Edo State, in February.
Obi was attacked alongside leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the residence of the party chieftain in Benin.
In the aftermath of the incident, a social media user identified as Udeme Stephen allegedly took to his X (formerly Twitter) account, @stevetom788, claiming responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats.
In the post, he described Obi as “lucky” to have survived the Edo incident and warned of additional violence during a proposed visit to Rivers State.
Security sources disclosed that operatives of the DSS immediately launched a discreet investigation into the online threats.
Using digital forensic tools and intelligence tracking, the agency was able to trace the suspect to Rivers State.
The suspect, said to be a teacher at Jessica High School located in Eliozu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, was subsequently arrested.
He is currently in DSS custody as investigations continue.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement detailing possible charges, but security officials affirmed that threats to public figures and actions capable of inciting violence are treated with utmost seriousness.
The DSS has reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing acts that could destabilise the peace in any part of the country.
