Rita Enemuru, Reporting
POLICE in Delta State have arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The victim’s father reported the incident at the Sapele Area Command on 20 October 2026, alleging that the suspect abducted his daughter as she was preparing to leave for school.
The suspect reportedly contacted him afterwards, demanding ₦503,000 and threatening to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.
Following payment, the teenager was abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.
Operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately launched investigations, taking the victim to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning, while the suspect abandoned the school bus and fled.
Acting on credible intelligence, police traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on 23 October 2026.
He reportedly confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation. Arrangements are underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
He called on school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children.
