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 Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

The arrest followed a report that the suspect allegedly demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom from the girl’s father before abandoning the teenager along Oton Road in Sapele.

The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, saying the victim’s father reported the incident at the Sapele Area Command on Tuesday. According to the police account, the father alleged that the driver abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The statement said the suspect subsequently contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid. After the ransom was reportedly collected, the girl was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

Police said officers immediately launched an investigation after receiving the report. The victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment, while the school principal and vice-principal were invited for questioning as inquiries continued.

According to the command, the suspect had allegedly abandoned the school bus and fled before officers tracked him down. Acting on intelligence, operatives reportedly located him at a hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele and arrested him on Friday. The police said he confessed to involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

The command added that arrangements were being made to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the reported incident and pledged a thorough investigation, saying anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

E rale also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen measures for protecting children from violence and exploitation. The police stressed that safeguarding students must remain a priority for everyone entrusted with their care.