Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested a man over alleged online threats against former presidential candidate Peter Obi following a violent political incident in Benin City, Edo State.
The arrest has drawn national attention, with investigators examining whether the suspect had any connection to the gunfire attack that occurred during a political gathering in February 2026.
Here are eight key things to know about the case:
Join our WhatsApp ChannelGunfire attack triggered the investigation
The controversy began on February 24, 2026, when gunshots were fired near a political meeting involving Obi and other opposition figures in Benin City.
Those present included former Edo governor John Odigie-Oyegun and former Labour Party governorship candidate Olumide Akpata, who had recently joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The group had reportedly returned from an event welcoming Akpata into the party when the attack occurred around the ADC secretariat and Oyegun’s residence. Several vehicles were damaged and the gate of the residence was hit by gunfire. One person—reportedly Akpata’s cousin—was struck on the head with a bottle, though no deaths were recorded.
Suspect identified as a teacher from Rivers State
Authorities later identified the suspect as 26-year-old Udeme Stephen, also reported in some outlets as Udeme Monday Stephen or Udeme Sunday Stephen.
He is said to be a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Social media posts prompted the arrest
Investigators moved in after social media posts appeared shortly after the Benin incident. The posts allegedly claimed responsibility for the shooting and included threats directed at Obi.
The messages were reportedly published on an X account identified as @stevetom788, drawing the attention of security agencies.
Posts included direct threats
Some of the posts widely quoted by Nigerian media appeared to threaten further violence. One message reportedly claimed the group had warned Obi against visiting Edo State and suggested the attack was deliberate.
Another message warned about Obi’s possible visit to Rivers State, suggesting that “men” would deal with the situation. A separate post reportedly included a hostile statement wishing death on the former presidential candidate.
DSS used digital forensics to trace the account
Security operatives launched a covert investigation shortly after the posts surfaced online.
According to security sources cited by several media outlets, forensic analysis was used to track the social media account and identify its location. The suspect was subsequently arrested in Rivers State during a swift operation by DSS officers.
Suspect remains in custody
As of early March 2026, Udeme Stephen was still being held by the DSS. Security officials say he is expected to face formal charges in court once investigations are completed.
Sources familiar with the probe say digital evidence has been obtained linking the suspect to the threatening messages.
Authorities probing possible links to the shooting
While the suspect allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack online, investigators have not publicly confirmed whether he was physically involved in the gunfire incident in Benin City.
Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine whether he acted alone, had accomplices, or was merely boasting online about the incident.
Case raises concerns about political violence
The episode has renewed concerns about political violence and inflammatory rhetoric as Nigeria’s political environment begins to heat up ahead of future elections.
The incident also occurred amid increasing cooperation between opposition figures linked to the Labour Party and the African Democratic Congress.
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The ADC has since indicated it may pursue legal action at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, alleging political incitement connected to the Edo incident, though investigations into the attack are still ongoing.
So far, neither Obi nor the DSS has issued a detailed public statement beyond comments attributed to security sources in the media. The case remains under active investigation.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
