Delta police arrest school bus driver over alleged assault and abduction of 14-year-old student

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after reportedly demanding and collecting ₦lN503,000 in ransom from her father.

The incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on 20 October 2026 by the victim's father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school. The suspect subsequently contacted him, demanded N503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid. Following the payment, the victim was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family.

Upon receipt of the report, operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately commenced investigations, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment. The school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning, while efforts were intensified to apprehend the suspect, who had abandoned the school bus and fled. Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives subsequently traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime. 

Confirming the arrest, the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said arrangements are being made to transfer the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation.