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The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The suspect was also accused of collecting ₦503,000 from the girl’s father as ransom before abandoning her along Oton Road in Sapele.
According to the police, 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.
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The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement that the suspect allegedly contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the girl if the ransom was not paid.
The statement added that the teenager was abandoned along Oton Road after the payment was made. She was later 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 launched an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The police also invited the school’s principal and vice principal for questioning as efforts continued to locate the suspect, who had allegedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
Edafe said the suspect was eventually arrested on October 23 at his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele following intelligence-led operations.
“During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime,” the statement said.
The police disclosed that arrangements were being made to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.
He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
E rale also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen child-protection measures, stressing that the safety of children entrusted to their care must remain a priority.
