The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that a man identified as Taye, accused of killing and secretly burying his 13-year-old daughter, Davina, has surrendered to the authorities.

According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, Taye turned himself in at the Ebrumede Division, Uvwie Local Government Area, days after his wife was arrested in connection with the incident.

“Confirmed. We can’t say he killed her for now till after autopsy is carried out,” Edafe stated in a WhatsApp message to journalists in Warri.

The disturbing case unfolded on Sunday, 7 September, at Ugbolokposo community in Uvwie, where Davina was allegedly buried under questionable circumstances.

Reports indicate that the girl had been sent to her father’s house for a holiday at his request.

Her mother, Miss Dorcas, who had raised Davina single-handedly for 13 years, said she was later informed of her daughter’s sudden death and burial.

Civil rights groups have urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation.

They called for Davina’s body to be exhumed and a post-mortem carried out to determine the true cause of death.

“Both the suspect and his wife must face justice if found culpable. The death of this child must not be swept under the carpet,” one activist said.

According to Dorcas, there were earlier warnings that she might never see her daughter again after handing her over to Taye.

She also recounted that Davina once pleaded with her over the phone to take her back home, a call intercepted by the father.

The suspect’s wife, who denied involvement, claimed she had travelled for over a week and that Davina was healthy when she left. However, community members insist she also has questions to answer.

The police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing. An autopsy is expected to shed light on the cause of the teenager’s death. (Saturday Tribune)