Onome Ughagha, a 28-year-old school bus driver, has been detained by Delta State Police Command officials for reportedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Sapele.
It was discovered that the suspect was apprehended after allegedly requesting and receiving N503,000 as ransom from the student’s father.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, revealed this in a statement on Sunday.
The PPRO stated that the victim’s father reported the incident on Tuesday at the Sapele Area Command, claiming that the suspect kidnapped his daughter as she was getting ready to go to school.
“The suspect then reached out to him (the father), insisted on N503,000, and warned that the minor would be killed if the ransom was not provided,” the police statement mentioned.
The report indicated that after the payment, the victim was allegedly left on Oton Road, Sapele, where she was found by her family in a distressed state, showing signs of sexual assault.
Upon receiving the report, the statement noted that the operatives from the Sapele Area Command quickly began investigations, while the victim was transported to a medical facility for evaluation and care.
The police added that the school principal and vice-principal were summoned for questioning, as efforts to capture the suspect, who had deserted the school bus and escaped, were ramped up.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the operatives later located the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele region of Sapele, where he was taken into custody on Friday.
In the initial questioning, he allegedly admitted to participating in the offense.
The command’s spokesperson stated that plans were being made to move the suspect to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for additional inquiry.
In the meantime, the state Police Commissioner, Samuel Erale, has denounced the event and reaffirmed the command’s dedication to safeguarding children from all types of violence and abuse.
The CP guaranteed that “the investigations will be comprehensive and that anyone determined to be responsible will face justice.”
The police chief also urged school officials, parents, and transport providers to “be more vigilant in protecting children,” emphasizing that the safety of every child in their care must be a top priority.
