Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By Mandy Park
The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old man suspected to be involved in the violent attack on former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi and several political leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Benin City, Edo State.
The suspect, identified as Udeme Sunday Stephen, is said to have been taken into custody on Monday, March 2, following a thorough investigation by the secret service into the February 24 incident that sparked widespread condemnation and stirred political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The arrest marks the latest development in the probe into the attack that occurred shortly after Obi, alongside other ADC chieftains, attended a political engagement in Benin City.
According to sources, armed assailants trailed the politicians to the residence of Odigie Oyegun, former governor of the state and opened gunfire, destroying cars and the gate riddled with bullets.
The incident prompted panic but no confirmed fatalities.
Security officials said the DSS launched a covert operation to track and detain the suspect after examining intelligence, including threatening messages the man allegedly posted on social media taking responsibility for the attack and vowing further violence.
The suspect remains in DSS custody as investigations continue.
ADC leadership have condemned the attack, calling it a dangerous escalation of political violence.
They urged security agencies to ensure justice and accountability for the perpetrators.
The DSS have reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and upholding national security irrespective of political affiliation, as it continues to pursue leads that could link others to the incident.
While one arrest has been made, analysts and opposition figures have called on the DSS and other security services to expand the investigation to uncover any networks or collaborators behind the attack, and to bring all responsible parties to justice before the election season intensifies later this year.
