The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old college 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 motive force kidnapped his daughter whereas she was making ready to depart for college.
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 cost, the woman was reportedly deserted alongside Oton Road, the place she was reunited together with her household in a traumatised situation, with indications of sexual assault.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, stated operatives of the Sapele Area Command instantly commenced investigations after receiving the report.
He stated the sufferer was taken to a medical facility for examination and therapy, whereas the varsity principal and vice principal have been invited for questioning.
The suspect reportedly deserted the varsity bus and fled, prompting police operatives to accentuate efforts to find him.
Edafe stated the operatives, performing 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 stated 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 dropped at justice.
The commissioner additionally urged college authorities, mother and father and transport operators to train larger vigilance in safeguarding youngsters, stressing that the security of each youngster entrusted to their care should stay paramount.
