Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnap, Sexual Assault Of 14-Year-Old Student

The Delta State Police Command has 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, Delta State.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, saying the suspect allegedly demanded and collected N503,000 in ransom from the victim’s father before abandoning the girl along Oton Road, Sapele.

According to the statement, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The police said the suspect subsequently contacted the father, demanded N503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid.

After the ransom was reportedly paid, the victim was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command commenced investigations, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The school principal and vice principal were also invited for questioning as the police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

The command said the suspect was eventually arrested on October 23, 2026, after operatives acting on credible intelligence traced him to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele.

During preliminary interrogation, Ughagha reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, according to the police.

The police added that arrangements were underway to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the alleged crime and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.

Erale assured that the investigation would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen measures to protect children, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain a priority.