Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 28-year-old Onome Ughagha, a school bus driver, in connection with the kidnapping and alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old student in Sapele. The arrest was confirmed on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe. According to the police, the victim’s father reported the incident to the Sapele Area Command on Tuesday, alleging that the suspect abducted his daughter as she was preparing to leave for school. The suspect reportedly contacted the father, demanded a ransom of N503,000, and threatened to kill the minor if the payment was not made. Following the payment of the ransom, the victim was abandoned on Oton Road in Sapele. She was subsequently reunited with her family in a traumatized state, with medical examinations indicating she had been sexually assaulted. Upon receiving the report, Sapele Area Command operatives launched an investigation and transported the victim to a medical facility for treatment. Police also invited the school’s principal and vice-principal for questioning as part of the inquiry. The suspect initially fled the area, abandoning his school bus, but was tracked to a hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele and arrested on Friday. SP Edafe stated that the suspect has confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation. Arrangements are currently being made to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Asaba for further processing. Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, condemned the incident and pledged a thorough investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable. He further urged parents, school authorities, and transport operators to exercise increased vigilance to ensure the safety of children under their care.