The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver for allegedly abducting and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student after collecting ₦503,000 in ransom from her father.
The suspect, identified as Onome Lucky Ughagha, was arrested on October 23 in the Ajimele area of Sapele after allegedly fleeing following the incident.
The police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the victim’s father reported the case to the Sapele Area Command on October 20, alleging that the driver abducted his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.
According to the police, the suspect later contacted the father, demanded ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the girl if the money was not paid.
After the ransom was reportedly collected, the girl was abandoned along Oton Road in Sapele and reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with signs of alleged sexual assault.
Police operatives began investigating the case and arranged for the victim to receive medical examination and treatment.
The school’s principal and vice principal were also invited for questioning as officers intensified efforts to locate the suspect, who had reportedly abandoned the school bus and fled.
Edafe said operatives eventually tracked Ughagha to his hideout following intelligence-led investigations. The suspect reportedly confessed to involvement in the crime during preliminary interrogation.
The police said arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.
He urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to strengthen safeguards for children, adding that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice.
Tighten the police reportUse more cautious assault wording
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