By Oghenefejiro Emado
25, October 2026
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnap and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele Local Government Area.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, on October 25, 2026, the case was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the father of the victim.
The father alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to go to school in the morning.
After the abduction, the suspect was said to have contacted the family, demanded the sum of N503,000 as ransom, and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid.
The family reportedly paid the ransom, after which the girl was abandoned along Oton Road in Sapele.
She was later found and reunited with her family in a distressed state, with signs suggesting she had been sexually assaulted.
Following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately launched an investigation.
The victim was taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
As part of the investigation, the principal and vice principal of the school where the driver worked were invited for questioning.
The suspect had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled to evade arrest.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives tracked him to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele and arrested him on October 23, 2026.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to committing the crime.
The Command has said arrangements are being made to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further and thorough investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident in strong terms.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children against all forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, and assured that the investigation will be comprehensive and anyone found culpable will face justice.
The CP also advised school owners, administrators, parents and school transport operators to be more vigilant and put stronger measures in place to ensure the safety of children in their care.
