Family of late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje renews call for justice seven years after her death, alleging threats and police inaction as key suspect remains at large.
Seven years after the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, her family is calling on First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure justice for the teenager, who died in 2018 from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse.
Speaking on a televised program; The Morning Brief on Friday, Ochanya’s brother, John Ameh, appealed for renewed government action, urging the police to declare Victor Ogbuja, one of the alleged perpetrators, wanted.
“If the Inspector General of Police, the First Lady, and the President are truly committed to justice, they must find these people and bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes,” Ameh said.
Ameh revealed that he and other family members had received death threats for demanding accountability in the case, which has drawn national outrage and revived the #JusticeForOchanya campaign.
“We’ve been harassed, intimidated, and threatened. I can’t stay at home anymore because of fear for my safety. My parents are in the village without protection,” he lamented.
He accused influential individuals of shielding the suspects, including Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son, Victor.
Background of the Case
Ochanya, a student, suffered years of sexual assault from Andrew and Victor Ogbuja, relatives with whom she lived. She died in October 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), a condition caused by repeated sexual trauma.
Despite widespread outrage, progress in the case has been slow. In April 2022, the Benue State High Court acquitted Andrew Ogbuja for lack of sufficient evidence, while Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, Ochanya’s aunt, received a five-month jail sentence for negligence. Victor Ogbuja remains at large.
“It is shocking that after seven years, the police have failed to arrest the principal suspect. It shows the weakness of our justice system,” Ameh said.
He recounted an earlier attack at the Federal High Court, Makurdi, where he was allegedly assaulted by a relative of one of the suspects during a hearing. He said several petitions had been submitted to the Benue State Police Command and the Inspector General of Police, but no concrete action had been taken.
Renewed Calls for Justice
The case has reignited public outrage, with prominent Nigerians, civil society organisations, and rights activists demanding justice.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) expressed concern over the slow pace of justice, urging the family to formally petition her office.
“Seven years ago, the story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail, but they were discharged and acquitted. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” the senator said in a social media post.
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