SAPELE: The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, identified as Onome Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, Delta State.
The suspect was reportedly arrested after allegedly abducting the minor, demanding a ransom of ₦503,000 from her father and threatening to kill her if the money was not paid.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on Tuesday by the victim’s father.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly abducted the girl while she was preparing to leave for school before contacting her father to demand ransom.
The statement said the suspect threatened to kill the student if the ransom was not paid.
Following the reported payment of ₦503,000, the girl was allegedly abandoned along Oton Road in Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.
The police said operatives of the Sapele Area Command immediately launched an investigation after receiving the complaint.
The victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment following the incident.
As part of the investigation, the school principal and vice-principal were invited for questioning, while police operatives intensified efforts to locate the suspect.
The suspect was said to have abandoned the school bus and fled after the alleged crime.
However, acting on credible intelligence, police operatives reportedly tracked him to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on Friday.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime, according to the police account.
The command said arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the alleged incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children against violence, abuse and exploitation.
The police commissioner assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
He also urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen measures for protecting children, particularly those entrusted to school transportation services.
The incident has again raised concerns about student safety and the need for effective monitoring of school transport arrangements.
Parents and school administrators have been urged to remain vigilant and prioritise the security and welfare of children.
RapidoSpace News will continue to follow the police investigation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
