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Members of Kelvin’s gang |
Most wanted kidnapper and armed robbery kingpin in Delta State,
Kelvin Oniarah and five of his gang members, were today (Wednesday)
arrested at an undisclosed hotel in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State by a
combined security team drawn from the Nigerian Army and Department of
Security Service, DSS.
Kevin was allegedly behind the kidnap of Human Rights lawyer, Chief Mike
Ozekhome, SAN, who was abducted along Auchi–Benin road late last month.
A shootout also ensued this afternoon, between Kelvin’s ‘boys’ in his
country home, Kokori, Ethiope-East Local Government Area, Delta State,
and soldiers, who arrested the chief priest (Ose Igba) of Kokorki,
alleged to have provided charms for Kelvin and his gang.
Spokesperson for DSS, Marilyn Ogar said Oniarah who was arrested
Wednesday was a notorious terrorist, kidnap kingpin and armed robber and
has been on the wanted list of security agencies.
Ogar said Kelvin Oniarah who is also known as Kelvin Ibruvwe was
responsible for the kidnap of and killing of Dr. Chudi Nwike a former
Deputy Governor of Anambra State, while in captivity.
According to the statement, “on 25th September, 2013, a combined
security team of the Nigerian Army and DSS operatives arrested Kelvin
Prosper Oniarah, a notorious terrorist, kidnap kingpin and armed robber,
who has been on the wanted list of security agencies.
“Kelvin ONIARAH who is also known as Kelvin IBRUVWE masterminded the
kidnap of Mike OZEKHOME (SAN) on 24th August, 2013, along Auchi–Benin
road.
“He is also responsible for the following kidnaps, Judge of the Edo
State Judiciary, and a top female official of the Federal Inland Revenue
Service,FIRS.
She said “Chudi Nwike, Dr. a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State,
who was killed by Kelvin while in captivity; and several members of the
NYSC and security agents.
“He also masterminded various attacks against security personnel,
carried out several armed robberies and kidnap operations in Delta, Edo,
Rivers and Anambra States.
“Oniarah maintained operational bases and detention camps in Warri
and Kokori Community in Delta State, Ugbokolo Community in Benue State,
Benin City in Edo State, and Aba in Abia State.
“It would also be recalled that on 18th September, 2013, Kelvin
Oniarah issued a 60 day ultimatum from his base in Kokori, Delta State,
to the Federal Government and threatened to wreak havoc on innocent
Nigerian citizens.
“Kelvin Oniarah has been taken into custody and investigation of his notorious activities has commenced.”