Fleeing Delta Man Accused of Killing and Burying 13-Year-Old Daughter Surrenders to Police

A man identified as Taye, who fled after allegedly killing and secretly burying his 13-year-old daughter, has surrendered to police in Delta State.

The suspect, who had been on the run since September 7, 2025, presented himself at the Ebrumede Police Division in Uvwie Local Government Area after his wife was arrested over the incident. His daughter, Davina, was reportedly buried by him under unclear circumstances, sparking outrage in the community.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development in a WhatsApp message, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the teenager’s death. “We can’t say he killed her for now till after an autopsy is carried out,” Edafe said.

Community sources allege that Taye had requested custody of Davina from her mother, identified as Miss Dorcas, for the holidays, assuring her that he wanted father-daughter bonding time. Dorcas, who had raised the child single-handedly since birth, allowed the visit. However, residents say the child later appeared distressed and even pleaded with her mother over the phone to come and take her away, before her father reportedly intercepted the call.

According to witnesses, Dorcas insisted that Davina be returned on September 7 so she could resume school. Instead, she was informed that her daughter had died and was already being buried. When Dorcas rushed to the family compound, she was allegedly assaulted and then shown where her daughter had been buried without any explanation.

That night, police traced the family’s residence in Ugbolokposo, but Taye and other relatives fled, leaving only his wife, who was arrested. She denied involvement, claiming she had travelled for over a week and was unaware of the girl’s death.

Taye later turned himself in, claiming that Davina fell ill on September 7 and died despite being rushed to the hospital, after which she was buried the same day. Police say investigations will establish the true circumstances of her death.