Tragedy in Delta: Man Accused of Raping Daughter Dies in Custody

A man identified simply as David, who was facing serious allegations of sexually assaulting his 10-year-old daughter and infecting her with HIV, has died while in custody at the Warri Correctional Centre, popularly known as Okere Prisons.

David, aged 50, was arrested earlier this year by officers from the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. His arrest followed disturbing revelations that came to light after his daughter fell seriously ill and began to lose weight rapidly.

Concerned by her condition, the girl's mother took her to a hospital for medical tests. The results were heartbreaking, the child had contracted HIV. Further questioning led to shocking confessions, pointing fingers at her father as the source of both the abuse and the infection.

Human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe, who took up the case in March 2025, confirmed David’s death in a Facebook post on Monday, September 15. According to Joe, the accused passed away the day before, on Sunday, September 14, after falling ill in prison.

Joe, known for his vocal stance against injustice, shared that David had also allegedly sodomised his six-year-old son. The activist said the suspect admitted to the crime in a voice note sent to his wife, who was devastated by the confession. Despite pleas from the family to drop the case, Joe insisted on pursuing justice.

“He was to be granted bail last month,” Joe revealed, “but I contacted the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice to express my dissatisfaction with how the case was being handled. Eventually, bail was denied, and the matter was adjourned to October.”

David’s health reportedly deteriorated while in custody, and he was rushed to a hospital from the prison facility, where he later died. His death marks the end of a case that stirred outrage across the state and drew attention to the plight of child victims of sexual abuse.

The Delta State Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest, while calls were made by activists for the Ministries of Health and Women Affairs to intervene and provide medical and psychological support for the affected children.

This tragic case has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger child protection laws and swift justice for victims of sexual violence in Nigeria.