The suspected mastermind behind the recent purported attempt on the life of Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) 2023 presidential candidate, in Benin, Edo State, has been detained by the Department of State Services (DSS). During their party's meeting in Benin, armed thugs ambushed Obi, along with former Edo State Governor John Oyegun and other leaders of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), firing multiple shots at them.
Udeme Monday Stephen wrote on his X account, @stevetom788, shortly after the attack, admitting responsibility and threatening to attack Obi specifically again.
Obi was fortunate to have escaped in Benin, according to Stephen's web statement, and the previous presidential contender would not be as fortunate.
"I found out he's visiting my home state of Rivers. No, my men will take care of that, and they won't miss the objective. A bastard is meant to perish, so speak no peace to him and wish him a short life.
According to a senior security source, DSS agents initiated a covert investigation as soon as Stephen made the threat, utilizing forensic analysis to locate and apprehend him.
According to the source, the suspect is a 26-year-old man named Udeme Monday Stephen who works as a teacher at Jessica High School in Eliozu, Rivers State, in the Umuehere Community, Obio-Akpor Local Council of the state.
The source emphasized, "I firmly believe that the results of the agency's forensic investigations implicated the suspect."
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has ordered public office holders who want to run for office in the upcoming 2027 general election to step down.
Umar Ikhilor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), stated on February 28, 2026, instructing all public servants to step down by March 1, 2025.
In the statement, the SSG emphasized that the provision was meant to protect the impartiality and integrity of public institutions while simultaneously fostering equity, openness, and a level playing field for all candidates.
"Public office holders are reminded that partisan political engagements must not compromise the responsibilities of governance," the statement says.
"To comply with this directive within the specified timeframe, all affected officers are therefore advised to take immediate and necessary steps."
It appears that two of the appointees resigned in order to run in the general elections in 2027. Terry Igiebor, a member of the Edo State Audit Service, and Pius Alile, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Government House, are the two appointees.