The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested the suspected mastermind behind the recent alleged attempt on the life of the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, in Benin, Edo State.
Obi, in the company of the former Edo State Governor, John Oyegun, and other chieftains of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), was attacked by armed hoodlums, who fired several gunshots at them during their party’s meeting in Benin.
Shortly after the attack, one Udeme Monday Stephen, posted on his X account @stevetom788, claiming responsibility for the attack and threatening further attacks on Obi in particular.
Stephen stated online that Obi was lucky to have escaped in Benin, and vowed that the former presidential candidate would not be as lucky the next time.
He stated: “We warned Obi against his entrance into Edo State, but he mistook our resolve for his Obidiots online noise. Thank his stars he (Obi) survived this one…
“I learnt he’s going to my Rivers State… Na my men go handle that one and dem no dey miss target… Speak no peace to a bastard and wish him no long life, for he’s destined to die.”
A top security source disclosed that no sooner had Stephen issued the threat than DSS operatives began a covert investigation, deploying forensic analysis to track and arrest him.
The source disclosed that the suspect is a 26-year-old male called Udeme Monday Stephen and that he teaches at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State, in Umuehere Community, Obio-Akpor Local Council of the state.
“I strongly believe that the outcome of the agency’s forensic investigations implicated the suspect,” the source stressed.
MEANWHILE, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has directed public office holders with political ambition in the forthcoming 2027 general election to resign.
A statement by the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, dated February 28, 2026, directed all public officers to resign latest March 1, 2025.
The SSG, in the statement, emphasised that the requirement was intended to promote fairness, transparency, and a level playing field for all aspirants, while also safeguarding the integrity and neutrality of public institutions.
The statement reads: “Public office holders are reminded that the responsibilities of governance must not be compromised by partisan political engagements.
“All affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps to comply with this directive within the stipulated timeline.”
Two of the appointees have resigned their positions, apparently to contest the 2027 general elections. The two appointees are the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Government House, Pius Alile, and Terry Igiebor, a member of the Edo State Audit Service.
