Police arrest school bus driver over alleged kidnap, sexual assault in Delta
Delta State Police Arrest School Bus Driver for Alleged Kidnapping and Sexual Assault
Delta State police have arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. The suspect is also accused of demanding a ransom of 503,000 Naira from the victim’s parents.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, announced the arrest in a statement on Sunday. According to the statement, Ughagha allegedly abducted the young girl in Sapele while she was preparing to leave for school on October 20, 2026.
After the abduction, the victim’s father reported the incident at the Sapele Area Command. Ughagha reportedly contacted the father, demanding the ransom and threatening to kill the girl if the money was not paid. After the ransom was paid, the victim was left along Oton Road, where she was later found in a traumatized state with signs of sexual assault.
Following the report, police operatives launched an investigation and the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment. Investigators also questioned the school principal and vice principal as part of the inquiry. Ughagha reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled the area.
On October 23, 2026, police were able to locate Ughagha in the Ajimele area of Sapele based on credible intelligence. During preliminary questioning, he allegedly confessed to the crime. Plans are now in place to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, expressed his disapproval of the incident and emphasized the police command’s dedication to protecting children from violence and exploitation. He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and that anyone found responsible would face justice. Erale also urged school authorities, parents, and transport operators to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of children under their care.
