Kidnap Kingpin Kelvin To SSS: Please, Don’t Kill Me, Don’t Kill Me

The arrogance and bravado that characterised the reign of Kelvin Ibruvwe, the leader of a notorious gang of kidnappers that had held the entire Niger Delta region hostage for months, has turned out an anti-climax in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

Faced with the grim prospect of being brought to justice, the gang leader has seen his stern nature melt like ice in the hot sun, and all he can do is to plead with the law enforcement agents to spare his life.

His victims had included eminent persons like human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Ozekhome, as well as Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, wife of a Supreme Court judge kidnapped with her daughter and driver on their way to Benin on May 10.

And only a few days ago, he was his boastful self as he addressed a gathering of his kinsmen at his Kokori native town in Delta State, where he gave President Goodluck Jonathan a 60-day ultimatum to address the degradation of his native land and other communities in the Niger Delta or face grave consequences.

All that, however, proved to be no more than a façade that harboured the true weakling that he is, according to reliable SSS sources.

A source who spoke in confidence said that Kelvin, who was brought to Abuja for interrogation, had made substantial revelations.

“Kelvin has made useful and shocking statements which cannot be released to the public now,” the source said. “I think Nigerians, especially the media, will have the opportunity either on Monday or anytime next week.

“Contrary to his posturing, however, Kelvin is a weakling. He is afraid of death. He is downcast in detention. He does not want to experience what he had done to his victims.”*