A 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, has been arrested 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.
Penpushing reports that 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 Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe, in a statement said the father stated that the suspect subsequently contacted him, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.
Penpushing further reports that Edafe said following payment, the victim was reportedly 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 investigations, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment’, he said.
Penpushing also reports that Edafe explained that 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.
The police spokesperson stated that acting on credible intelligence, the 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 are underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation’, Edafe added.
Penpushing reports that Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, however, condemned the incident and reiterates the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
The police boss assured that investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice, and called on 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.
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