The family of late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse, has renewed calls for justice, urging Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to act swiftly in bringing her alleged rapists to justice.
Her brother, John Ameh, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, revealed that he and other family members have received death threats for pursuing justice for Ochanya. He accused influential individuals of shielding the suspects from prosecution and described the family’s ordeal as “a painful and traumatic battle that never ends.”
Ameh said it was “shocking” that seven years after the crime, the prime suspect, Victor Ogbuja — son of a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo — remains at large. He also criticised the police for what he called “a failure of duty” in arresting and prosecuting those involved in the teenager’s abuse and death.
According to Ameh, the Ogbuja family, with alleged backing from powerful figures, continues to intimidate and threaten him. “My life is in danger. I no longer stay at home because I know they are against the advocacy for justice,” he said, noting that he had petitioned both the Benue State Police Command and the IGP without result.
Ochanya was reportedly sexually assaulted over several years by Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor. While Andrew was acquitted by a Benue State High Court in April 2022 due to insufficient evidence, Victor remains wanted. Andrew’s wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, received a five-month jail term for negligence after failing to protect the girl.
Her death at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, was caused by vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) — a severe medical condition often resulting from repeated sexual abuse. The tragedy sparked national outrage and birthed the viral campaign #JusticeForOchanya, which has once again gained momentum amid fresh calls for accountability.
Joining the movement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the victim’s family to send her a formal petition. “Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” the lawmaker wrote on Facebook.
