Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnap, Rape Of 14-Year-Old Student In Sapele

 

Suspect Allegedly Collected N503,000 Ransom From Victim's Father Before Abandoning Minor. 

— CP Erale Orders Thorough Investigation.

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.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on 20th October 2026 by the victim's father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The suspect reportedly contacted the father, demanded N503,000 ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the money was not paid. Following payment, the victim was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment. The school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning, while efforts were intensified to apprehend the suspect who had abandoned the school bus and fled.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives subsequently traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on 23rd October 2026. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime.

The PPRO said arrangements are underway to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the Command's commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation, assuring that investigations will be thorough and anyone found culpable will be brought to justice, while calling on school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children.