School Bus Driver Turns Kidnapper, Collects ₦503,000 Ransom, Rapes 14-Year-Old Delta Student

Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright,

School Bus Driver Turns Kidnapper, Collects ₦503,000 Ransom, Rapes 14-Year-Old Delta Student

SAPELE, DELTA STATE — The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, for the horrific kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele, after extorting a ransom from her desperate father.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the nightmare unfolded on October 20, 2026, when the victim’s father reported that his daughter was abducted while preparing for school .

Police investigations revealed that Ughagha, who was entrusted with the safety of the minor, contacted the father and demanded a ransom of ₦503,000, threatening to kill the girl if the money was not paid . Following the payment, the suspect allegedly abandoned the traumatized teenager along Oton Road in Sapele, where she was reunited with her family .

Medical examinations later indicated that the minor had been sexually assaulted . The suspect had abandoned the school bus and fled the scene, prompting an intense manhunt by operatives of the Sapele Area Command .

Acting on credible intelligence, police traced Ughagha to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on October 23, 2026 . During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime .

The school’s principal and vice-principal have been invited for questioning as investigations continue . Ughagha is currently being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further investigation .

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation . He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and urged school authorities and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children .