By Kelly Hassino
He was a dreaded leader of a kidnapping and robbery gang that was implicated in the killing of many police and military officers, as well as some of his victims.
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 Barrister Mike OZEKHOME (SAN) on 24th August, 2013, along Auchi–Benin road. He is also responsible for the following kidnaps:
- 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.
- 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 to the federal government to release some of his boys who were arrested by the DSS or he would wreak havoc on innocent Nigerian citizens.
He was among those granted pardon by President Tinubu in the recent amnesty for some prisoners and has walked home freely after spending 12 years imprisonment out of his 20 years sentence.
- Kelly Hassino
