FACT CHECK: Did DSS Truly Arrest Peter Obi & Wife?

The news of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and his wife being arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) at their residence in Anambra State has been circulating widely across social media platforms.

Claim:

According to reports, Peter Obi and his wife were allegedly taken into custody by the DSS in Anambra State on Saturday, generating concerns among his supporters and the general public.

Verification:

Valentine Obienyem, the media adviser to Peter Obi, has categorically dismissed the claim.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Obienyem refuted the reports, labeling them as false and baseless.

He clarified that Peter Obi was not in Anambra State at the time of the supposed incident.

“As of Saturday, Mr. Obi was in Rwanda attending to important engagements.

“He has since returned to Nigeria and is currently in Edo State, where he is actively involved in party and national matters,” Obienyem said.

He further stressed that there was no DSS operation at Peter Obi’s residence, nor was there any arrest involving Obi or his wife.

Obienyem furthered with a confirmation that the claim regarding the arrest of Obi’s wife was entirely fabricated, designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary panic.

Verdict:

The claim that Peter Obi and his wife were arrested by the DSS is therefore ENTIRELY FALSE as verified information from his media adviser confirms that neither he nor his wife was arrested, and the rumours are baseless fabrications.

Polity Reporters advises the public to disregard these false reports.