A kidnap kingpin who reportedly lives abroad and comes into Nigeria for for routine kidnapping operations has been nabbed by a combined security team drawn from the Nigerian Army and Department of Security Service (otherwise known as State Security Service, SSS).

The kingpin who variously goes by the name Kelvin Prosper Oniarah and Kelvin Ibruvwe is linked to several high profile abductions, including those of human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, and Dr. Chudi Nwike, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who never came out alive. He was arrested yesterday, according to SSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar.

Giving details in a statement released in Abuja, Ogar said: “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.”

•Photo shows SSS Spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar.

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