Delta State Police Arrest School Driver Over Kidnapping and Assault of Minor

Law enforcement authorities in Delta State have confirmed the arrest of a 28-year-old school bus driver in connection with the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele. The suspect, identified as Onome Ughagha, was taken into custody following an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Delta State Police Command.

According to details released by the command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the case came to light when the victim's father formally reported the incident at the Sapele Area Command. The father stated that his daughter was abducted while preparing to leave for school. Following the disappearance, the abductor contacted the family, demanded a ransom payment of 503,000 naira, and threatened to kill the minor if the demand was ignored.

Investigators established that after the ransom was paid, the victim was abandoned along Oton Road in Sapele. She was subsequently reunited with her family in a traumatised state, and preliminary medical examinations indicated signs of sexual assault. Authorities immediately transported the victim to a medical facility for professional care and examination, while launching a manhunt for the suspect.

In the course of the preliminary investigation, law enforcement officers invited the school principal and vice-principal for questioning. The suspect had initially abandoned the school bus and fled into hiding, evading immediate capture. However, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives traced him to a hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was apprehended on Friday.

During initial interrogations, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crimes. The Delta State Police Command announced that arrangements are underway to transfer the case file and the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for comprehensive further investigation.

State Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale strongly condemned the incident and reaffirmed the command's dedication to shielding children from violence and exploitation. The police commissioner emphasized that the investigation will be thorough and urged school administrators, parents, and transport operators to exercise heightened vigilance to ensure the safety of children under their supervision.

Source reporting: Punch — 2026-10-26 03:25:39