ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a 26-year-old teacher over alleged threats and his suspected link to the February 24 gunfire incident involving former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest marks the first major breakthrough since the shooting scare that followed Obi’s visit to the state, an incident that has fueled political tension ahead of the 2027 elections.
A top security source confirmed the development on Monday, simply stating, “Yes, it is true.”
According to sources, DSS operatives launched an investigation after the suspect allegedly posted threatening messages on his X handle, claiming responsibility for the attack and issuing further threats.
In one of the posts cited by investigators, the suspect allegedly warned Obi against future visits and suggested more attacks could follow.
Security sources said forensic analysis was deployed to trace the account, leading to the suspect’s arrest in a covert operation. He is currently in DSS custody and is expected to face prosecution.
READ ALSO: A Historical Timeline of Assassinations, Near-Miss Events In U.S. Presidential Politics
“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” a source said.
“As a responsible security organisation saddled with counter-espionage and VIP protection, among other duties, the DSS is always alive to credible intelligence. They swiftly deployed operatives and the man who threatened Peter Obi was nabbed and is in custody.”
The February 24 incident occurred shortly after Obi, former Edo State governor and ex-APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, and leaders of the African Democratic Congress attended a political meeting in Benin.
Armed men reportedly opened fire near Oyegun’s GRA residence after trailing a convoy from the ADC secretariat on Ogbelaka Street.
The attackers damaged vehicles and parts of the compound before fleeing when security personnel responded. No casualties were recorded.
Obi’s allies described the episode as a premeditated assassination attempt, while the Edo State Government rejected the claim and dismissed suggestions of official involvement as politically motivated.
Police had earlier confirmed receiving distress calls and reinforcing security in the area, noting that investigations were ongoing.
With the suspect now in custody, security agencies say the probe remains active as efforts continue to determine whether others were involved in the Benin gunfire incident.