The police have arrested a 28-year-old school bus driver for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old female student in the Sapele local government area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
According to the police, the incident was reported at the Sapele Area Command on 20th October 2026 by the victim’s father, who alleged that the suspect kidnapped his daughter while she was preparing to leave for school.
The suspect subsequently contacted him, demanding ₦503,000 and threatened to kill the teenager if the ransom was not paid.
Following payment, the victim was reportedly abandoned along Oton Road, Sapele, where she was reunited with her family in a traumatised condition, with indications of sexual assault.
Operatives of Sapele Area Command immediately commenced investigations, while the victim was taken to a medical facility for examination and treatment.
The school principal and vice principal were invited for questioning, while efforts were intensified to apprehend the suspect, who had abandoned the school bus and fled.
Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives subsequently traced the suspect to his hideout in the Ajimele area of Sapele, where he was arrested on 23rd October 2026.
During preliminary interrogation, he reportedly confessed to his involvement in the crime.
Arrangements are underway to transfer him to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Asaba, for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, in a statement issued by the Command condemns the incident and reiterates its commitment to protecting children from all forms of violence and exploitation.
He assures that investigations will be thorough and that anyone found culpable will be brought to justice.
The CP further calls on school authorities, parents and transport operators to exercise greater vigilance in safeguarding children, stressing that the safety of every child entrusted to their care must remain Paramount.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
