Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnapping, Sexual Assault of 14-Year-Old Student in Sapele

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, identified as Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after reportedly collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on October 25, 2026, stating that the incident was reported to the Sapele Area Command on October 20 by the victim’s father.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly abducted the minor while she was preparing to leave for school and subsequently contacted her father, demanding ₦503,000 while threatening to kill the girl if the money was not paid.

Following the payment, the victim was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.

Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The school principal and vice principal were also invited for questioning as police intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives eventually tracked the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23. The police said the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.

Arrangements are underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, for further investigation.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the alleged crime and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

The Commissioner assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen safety measures and exercise greater vigilance in protecting children entrusted to their care.