The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after reportedly demanding and collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father.
The arrest was disclosed by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement on Sunday, ValidViewNetwork reports.
THE INCIDENT
According to Edafe, 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.
The suspect subsequently contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.
After the ransom was paid, 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 INVESTIGATION
Edafe said operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced investigations upon receiving the report, 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 October 23, 2026.
During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime.
Arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
THE POLICE REACTION
The state Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident, reiterating the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation .
He assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
The CP 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.
WHY IT MATTERS
The case is a chilling reminder of the dangers that children face in environments that are supposed to be safe.
A school bus driver, someone entrusted with the care and transport of children—allegedly abducted a 14-year-old girl, demanded a ransom, and sexually assaulted her.
The betrayal is profound.The police have promised a thorough investigation and prosecution.
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But for the victim and her family, the trauma will not end with the arrest.
The case also raises questions about the vetting of school transport operators.
How was this man hired? What checks were conducted? And what can schools do to ensure that the people they trust with children are worthy of that trust?
ValidViewNetwork reports that the suspect remains in custody. The investigation continues.