Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnap, Sexual Assault Of 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.

The suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the victim’s father before abandoning the girl along Oton Road, Sapele.

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

According to the police, the suspect subsequently contacted the father, demanded the ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid.

After the payment, the girl was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced investigations after receiving the report.

He said the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while the school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning.

The suspect reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled, prompting police operatives to intensify efforts to locate him.

Edafe said the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The police said arrangements were underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

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

He assured that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The 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.