Kelvin Oniarah Freed After Presidential Pardon — Kokori Residents Celebrate

Residents of Kokori in Delta State reportedly celebrated after President Bola Tinubu granted amnesty to Kelvin Oniarah, a convicted leader of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang.

Oniarah, 44, who was arrested on September 25, 2013 by a combined team of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS), had served about 12 years of a 20-year sentence before the pardon.

A notorious gang leader, Oniarah — also known as Kelvin Ibruvwe — was linked to a string of high-profile kidnappings and attacks across several states. He has been accused of masterminding the abduction of prominent lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN) on August 24, 2013 along the Auchi–Benin road, and of kidnapping a judge of the Edo State judiciary and a senior Federal Inland Revenue Service official. Authorities also tied him to the abduction of NYSC members and to attacks that resulted in deaths among security personnel and other victims, including the killing of former Anambra deputy governor Dr. Chudi Nwike while in captivity.

Investigations at the time said Oniarah operated detention camps and bases in communities across Delta, Edo, Rivers, Anambra and Benue states, with reported strongholds in Warri and Kokori. In September 2013 he allegedly issued a 60-day ultimatum demanding the release of detained associates.

Oniarah’s pardon is part of a recent round of clemency granted by the presidency. Video and photo posts shared on social media captured scenes of supporters welcoming him home.