Delta Police Arrest School Bus Driver for Kidnapping Student

On October 20, 2026, the Delta State Police Command received a report from the father of a 14-year-old female student alleging that Onome Lucky Ughagha, a 28-year-old school bus driver, kidnapped his daughter while she was preparing for school. Ughagha demanded and collected ₦503,000 in ransom, threatening to kill the girl if the money was not paid.

After the ransom was paid, the girl was abandoned along Oton Road, where she was found in a traumatized state with signs of sexual assault. Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe stated that the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination.

The police initiated an investigation, inviting the school principal and vice principal for questioning. Ughagha fled after abandoning the school bus but was later traced and arrested on October 23 in the Ajimele area of Sapele.

He reportedly confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation. Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale condemned the incident and emphasized the commitment to protecting children from violence and exploitation.