The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after collecting ₦503,000 ransom from her father.
The incident was reported at 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 suspect reportedly contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid.
After the ransom was paid, the girl was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the police immediately launched an investigation following the report.
According to him, the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while the school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning.
Edafe said efforts were intensified to apprehend the suspect, who had allegedly abandoned the school bus and fled after the incident.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives subsequently traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026.
“During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. Arrangements are underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
He assured that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
The police commissioner also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.
