School bus driver arrested for allegedly raping 14-yr-old student in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Lucky Ughagha, for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to the statement, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on October 20 by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.

The suspect reportedly contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the minor if the ransom was not paid.

The police said after payment, the victim was abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.

“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,” Edafe said.

He added that 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 23 October 2026. During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime,” the statement added.

Edafe said arrangements were underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, condemned the incident and reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.

He assured that investigations would be thorough and anyone found culpable brought to justice.

He further called on school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children.