Physical Address
Awka Anambra State
The family of Ochanya Ogbanje, the 13-year-old girl who tragically died in 2018 following complications from prolonged sexual abuse, has renewed its call for justice, appealing directly to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene in the case and ensure the arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
More than six years after her death, the case of Ochanya continues to stir public outrage and highlight Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with child protection and sexual violence accountability.
Background of a Tragic Case
Ochanya Ogbanje’s story shocked the nation when it became public in 2018. The young girl, a student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, in Benue State, reportedly suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of her guardian, Mr. Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
She eventually developed vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) a medical condition resulting from the repeated assaults and later died from complications arising from the abuse.
The case drew national attention after activists and civil society organizations demanded justice for the teenager, sparking protests and renewed advocacy for the protection of minors and stronger enforcement of laws against sexual abuse.
Family Cries Out for Justice
Speaking through their representative this week, members of the Ogbanje family expressed frustration over the slow pace of justice and the failure of authorities to apprehend a key suspect who remains at large.
According to the family, while one of the suspects, Professor Andrew Ogbuja, has faced trial, Victor Ogbuja, his son and alleged accomplice, has yet to be arrested or prosecuted despite multiple court orders and public pressure.
The family appealed to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, whose office has been vocal about women’s and children’s rights, to use her influence to ensure that justice is not denied.
“We are calling on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene in this matter and help us get justice for our daughter. We also urge the Inspector General of Police to order the immediate arrest of the second suspect who is still walking free,” a family spokesperson said.
They lamented that after years of legal battles and advocacy, the case still lingers in the courts while the family continues to suffer emotionally and financially.
Calls for Intervention Grow
The appeal by the Ogbanje family has reignited public interest in the case, with human rights organizations and gender activists joining their voices to demand action from the authorities.
A coalition of child rights advocates under the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) condemned the delay in justice, describing it as “a painful reminder of systemic failure” in handling sexual abuse cases involving minors.
“The Ochanya case represents thousands of other unreported cases of child abuse in Nigeria. Justice delayed is justice denied. The government must demonstrate seriousness by ensuring all suspects face trial,” said WARDC Executive Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
Similarly, the Benue State Network of Civil Society Organizations urged the Federal Government and the Police Force to speed up investigations and ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book.
Public Reaction and Renewed Outrage
The story has once again triggered outrage among Nigerians, especially on social media, where many are demanding accountability from both state and federal authorities.
Public commentators argue that the case of Ochanya is symbolic of the broader failure of Nigeria’s criminal justice system to protect vulnerable children, particularly in rural communities.
Mrs. Ene Ogbole, a gender advocate based in Makurdi, said:
“It’s heartbreaking that years after Ochanya’s death, the family still has to beg for justice. This case should have set a precedent for swift and decisive punishment for child abusers, but instead, it’s dragging endlessly.”
The Legal Battle So Far
Since 2018, the case has gone through multiple legal phases. Professor Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, was charged with rape and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.
His son, Victor, was declared wanted by the police but has remained at large. Despite several court appearances, the prosecution process has faced numerous delays, often attributed to poor investigation, lack of evidence, and administrative lapses.
Legal experts argue that the prolonged nature of the case discourages victims and their families from pursuing justice and emboldens offenders.
Barrister Helen Ogbodo, a lawyer and child rights advocate, emphasized that the authorities must act decisively to restore public confidence in the system.
“The government must not allow this case to die in silence. Every time justice is denied or delayed in such cases, it sends a dangerous message that the lives of children do not matter,” she stated.
Appeal to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and IGP Egbetokun
The Ogbanje family’s renewed appeal to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu comes at a time when her office has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at protecting women and children from violence.
Many believe her intervention could help accelerate action from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
Similarly, the family’s call to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun seeks to prompt the force to revisit the investigation, enforce the existing arrest warrant against the second suspect, and ensure that no political or social influence obstructs justice.
“We trust the leadership of the First Lady and the Inspector General of Police to rise above bureaucracy and take decisive steps to end this injustice. We have suffered enough,” the family’s statement added.
Wider Implications and the Need for Systemic Reform
Beyond Ochanya’s case, activists have emphasized the need for comprehensive reform in how sexual abuse cases are investigated and prosecuted in Nigeria.
Despite existing laws such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, implementation remains weak, especially at the state level.
Analysts argue that without stronger enforcement, cases like Ochanya’s will continue to repeat themselves. The incident underscores the urgent need for better protection systems for children, community awareness programs, and accountability for law enforcement officers who neglect their duties.
Conclusion
The tragic story of Ochanya Ogbanje remains one of Nigeria’s most haunting reminders of the dangers of sexual violence and the cost of justice delayed. Six years after her untimely death, her family continues to fight not just for her memory, but for a justice system that values every child’s right to safety and dignity.
As the nation awaits a response from First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Nigerians are once again reminded that true justice for Ochanya is not just about punishing her abusers, it is about ensuring that no other child suffers a similar fate.
