Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver Over Alleged Kidnap, Rape of Student

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, after reportedly collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father.

The police said the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the suspect allegedly contacted the girl’s father after the abduction, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor 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.

The police said operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced an investigation after receiving the report, 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 apprehend the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.

Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23.

The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation, while arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.

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

He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted and anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.

The police commissioner also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain paramount.