Delta State police have arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver, Onome Ughagha, over the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 14-year-old female student in Sapele.
The command said the suspect demanded and collected N503,000 from the girl’s father before abandoning her along Oton Road. The girl was reunited with her family and taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
Police spokesman Bright Edafe disclosed the arrest in a statement on Sunday. He said the father reported the case at the Sapele Area Command on October 20, alleging that his daughter had been abducted while preparing to leave for school.
According to the police account, the suspect threatened to kill the girl unless the money was paid. Investigators invited the school’s principal and vice-principal for questioning after the driver allegedly abandoned the bus and fled.
Edafe said officers traced Ughagha to a hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele and arrested him on October 23. Police said arrangements were being made to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale urged school authorities, parents and transport operators to be more vigilant in protecting children entrusted to their care.
Sources: Punch, Daily Post
Something we should clarify?
Contact the newsroom
