A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command over the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The suspect allegedly collected ₦503,000 from the victim’s father as ransom before abandoning the girl along Oton Road in Sapele.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Warri on Sunday.
According to the police, the case was reported to the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who said his daughter was abducted while preparing to leave for school.
Edafe said the suspect subsequently contacted the girl’s father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the teenager if the money was not paid.
After receiving the ransom, the suspect allegedly abandoned the student along Oton Road, where she was later found and reunited with her family in a traumatised state, with signs indicating that she had been sexually assaulted.
Following the report, police operatives launched an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The school’s principal and vice-principal were also invited for questioning as investigators intensified efforts to locate the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
Edafe said the suspect was eventually tracked to a hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele through intelligence-led operations and arrested on October 23, 2026.
He added that Ughagha reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that arrangements were underway to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, condemned the alleged crime and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children against violence, abuse and exploitation.
E rale assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The commissioner also called on school administrators, parents and transport operators to strengthen measures for protecting children, emphasising that the safety of pupils entrusted to their care must remain a priority.
