DELTA STATE POLICE ARREST 28-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL BUS DRIVER OVER ALLEGED KIDNAPPING AND ASSAULT OF 14-YEAR-OLD STUDENT

Suspect apprehended in Sapele hideout after allegedly demanding ₦503,000 ransom and abandoning traumatized teenager along Oton Road

Operatives attached to the Delta State Police Command have arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, identified as Onome Lucky Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.  

According to an official statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the victim's father reported the incident to the Sapele Area Command on October 20. The report detailed that Ughagha abducted the teenager as she was preparing to leave for school, subsequently contacting her family to demand a ransom of ₦503,000 under threats of violence.  

Following the payment of the ransom, the suspect allegedly abandoned the victim along Oton Road in Sapele. The traumatized teenager was subsequently reunited with her family and immediately taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment. Police operatives commenced investigations, questioning school administrators while tracking the driver, who had abandoned the school vehicle and fled.  

Acting on credible intelligence, police officers traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, apprehending him on October 23. Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, strongly condemned the act, confirming that arrangements are underway to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further investigation and prosecution.