RismadarVoice Reporters, March 3, 2026
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old man, Udeme Monday Stephen, for allegedly claiming responsibility for a recent attack involving the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi.
Stephen was apprehended after posting a message on his X (formerly Twitter) account, @stevetom788, in which he allegedly took responsibility for gunshots fired at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) secretariat and the residence of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun in Benin, Edo State.
Mr. Obi, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olumide Akpata, and other ADC leaders were reportedly present at the event when the incident occurred.
No casualties were officially reported.
In the post, Stephen allegedly warned that Obi was “fortunate” to have survived the Benin incident, issued further threats suggesting that associates would target the former presidential candidate during a proposed visit to Rivers State.
A senior security source disclosed on Monday that the DSS immediately commenced a covert investigation following the online threat.
According to the source, operatives deployed digital forensic tools to trace the origin of the post and identify the suspect.
“The suspect is 26 years old, identified as Udeme Monday Stephen. He is a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Umuehere Community, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State,” the source said.
The source added that preliminary forensic findings linked the suspect to the threatening post, leading to his arrest.
Stephen is currently in DSS custody and is expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Security agencies have not released further details, but the development underscores growing concerns over online threats and political violence as authorities intensify efforts to ensure public safety.
