The most wanted kidnapper in the Niger Delta, Kelvin Prosper Oniarah, was arrested yesterday by a combined team of the State Security Service (SSS) and the Nigerian Army, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

Prosper, who was believed to have masterminded the kidnap of human right lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), his driver and an APC Chieftain, Athanasius Ugbome, was arrested yesterday.

Our sources said the arrest was confirmed by Spokesperson for DSS, Marilyn Ogar, who described the kidnap kingpin as a notorious terrorist, kidnap kingpin and armed robber on wanted list of security agencies in Nigeria.

She also said Oniarah, who is also known as Kelvin Ibruvwe, was responsible for the kidnap and killing, while in captivity, of Dr. Chudi Nwike, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State.

The statement released by Ogar reads, “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 was also responsible for the following kidnappings: of a judge of the Edo State judiciary; a top female official of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Dr. Chudi Nwike, a former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, who was killed by Kelvin while in captivity; and several members of the National Youth Service Corps and security agents.

“He also masterminded various attacks against security personnel, carried out several armed robberies and kidnapping 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.

“Recall 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.

He terrorized several communities in Delta State, especially the Kokori/Isoko areas of the state. His nefarious activities came to the fore in March this year, when his gang members robbed and kidnapped several people with reckless abandon.”

It would be recalled that last week, Kelvin and his gang came out in broad day light, all fully dressed in military camouflage, masked and fully armed. They fired several gunshots in the air. There, he issued 60 days ultimatum to the Federal Government that the community should be developed , else he would attack innocent Nigerians and destroy many government properties.