The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The suspect allegedly demanded and collected N503,000 from the victim’s father as ransom before abandoning the girl along Oton Road in Sapele.
The victim’s father reported the incident to the Sapele Area Command on October 20, 2026, alleging that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Sunday that the suspect subsequently contacted the father, demanded N503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.
He said after the payment, the girl was abandoned along Oton Road, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications that she had been sexually assaulted.
Edafe said following the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command launched an investigation, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
He said the police also invited the school’s principal and vice principal for questioning as efforts intensified to track down the suspect, who had allegedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
The spokesman said, “Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23.
“The suspect confessed to his involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.”
Edafe said officials were arranging to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Delta State Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale condemned the incident.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.
He promised a thorough investigation and said anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
Erale urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen measures to protect children.
He stressed that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain a priority.
