Attack On Obi, Others: DSS Arrests Prime Suspect

By Suleiman Anyalewechi 

The Department of State Service, DSS, has  apprehended one of the suspected masterminds behind the attack on Peter Obi,  Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and other leaders of the African Democratic Congress ADC ,in Benin ,the Edo state capital.

The Source reports that Obi ,the presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP in the 2023 general elections , alongside other chieftains of the ADC ,were last week  attacked by some gunmen at the residence of Chief  Odigie-Oyegun, a former Governor of Edo State ,after being trailed from the party’s State Headquarters where they had gone to formally receive Chief Olumide Akpata ,the LP candidate in the 2024  election in the State into the ADC fold.

Although no lives were lost in the attack , several vehicles parked at Oyegun’s residence were riddled with bullets and their windshield severely damaged by the attackers 

The DSS on Monda, said it has arrested one Monday Udeme Stephen over his suspected role in the failed assassination attempt.

It will be recalled that just hours after news of the attack broke out ,26-year old Stephen had taken to his official site to bemoan the non-successful execution of the plot, particularly the attempt on Obi’s life.

In his cryptic message online,  Stephen a teacher, at Jessica High School, Eliozu in Obio Akpor Local Council of Rivers State however expressed the optimism that his ” boys” who he boasted never miss their targets, will finish off the assignment when Obi comes calling in Rivers state soon.

Stephen, who had noted that they warned the former LP Presidential candidate not to step his feet into Edo State, insisted that he will pay the price for his obstinacy, when he visits Rivers state as planned.

Sources revealed that his threat ,and subtle claim of responsibility for the attack led the DSS to commence immediate covert operations to unmasked his identity.

His eventual arrest was  preceded by discreet investigations, including forensic analysis of his social media posts 

Stephen, who is now in  custody, is assisting the service in tracking down other perpetrators of the attack,which has caused unease within the political circle.