The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old faculty bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old feminine scholar in Sapele.
The suspect allegedly demanded and picked up ₦503,000 in ransom from the sufferer’s father earlier than abandoning the woman alongside Oton Road, Sapele.
The incident was reported on the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, by the woman’s father, who alleged that the driving force kidnapped his daughter whereas she was making ready to go away for varsity.
According to the police, the suspect subsequently contacted the daddy, demanded the ransom and threatened to kill the minor if the cash was not paid.
After the fee, the woman was reportedly deserted alongside Oton Road, the place she was reunited along with her household in a traumatised situation, with indications of sexual assault.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, mentioned operatives of the Sapele Area Command instantly commenced investigations after receiving the report.
He mentioned the sufferer was taken to a medical facility for examination and therapy, whereas the college principal and vice principal have been invited for questioning.
The suspect reportedly deserted the college bus and fled, prompting police operatives to accentuate efforts to find him.
Edafe mentioned the operatives, appearing on credible intelligence, traced Ughagha to his hideout within the Ajimele space of Sapele, the place he was arrested on October 23.
The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement within the crime throughout preliminary interrogation.
The police mentioned preparations have been underway to switch him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for additional investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to defending youngsters from violence and exploitation.
He assured that investigations can be thorough and that anybody discovered culpable can be delivered to justice.
The commissioner additionally urged faculty authorities, dad and mom and transport operators to train better vigilance in safeguarding youngsters, stressing that the security of each youngster entrusted to their care should stay paramount.
