MAKURDI, Nigeria (FN) — Seven years after the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, Nigerians are reigniting calls for justice in a case that has come to symbolize the country’s struggle with child protection and accountability for sexual abuse.
Ochanya, a student at Federal Government Girls College in Gboko, died in October 2018 from complications linked to Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF), a condition doctors attributed to prolonged sexual assault. She had been living with maternal relatives — Andrew Ogbuja, a polytechnic lecturer, and his son Victor — both accused of repeatedly raping her over several years.
In April 2022, the Benue State High Court acquitted Andrew Ogbuja of rape and responsibility for Ochanya’s death, citing insufficient evidence. However, on the same day, the Federal High Court convicted his wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, for negligence and sentenced her to five months in prison for failing to protect the child.
Victor Ogbuja, the couple’s son, was declared wanted by police in 2018 but has remained at large. Unconfirmed reports suggest he may be living in Lagos and pursuing a music career. His continued absence has fueled public frustration and demands for renewed investigation.
The Court of Appeal later upheld Felicia’s conviction, describing her failure to act as “heinous” and “devoid of sympathy.” Justice Hassan Muslim, delivering judgment via Zoom in November 2022, said her omission constituted a punishable offence under Nigeria’s Criminal Code and emphasized her legal duty to protect Ochanya.
Following the seventh anniversary of Ochanya’s death, social media platforms erupted with renewed outrage. Users on X, Facebook, and TikTok demanded Victor’s arrest and a reopening of the case. A petition titled “Justice for Ochanya” has gained traction, drawing thousands of signatures.
Online backlash also targeted Winifred Ogbuja, daughter of Andrew and Felicia, who deactivated her social media account amid scrutiny. While she has not been accused of any crime, some users circulated images and posts suggesting she may have shielded her brother, though no evidence has been presented.
Popular Nigerian influencer Tunde Ednut joined the campaign, posting to his millions of followers: “A father and son allegedly abused a little girl until she died. This is sad. Ochanya must get justice.” His post drew tens of thousands of reactions and calls for stronger child protection laws.
Child rights activist Betty Abah urged the Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Justice, and other agencies to pursue Victor’s arrest. “Even in death, Ochanya deserves justice,” she wrote, calling the case a rallying point for reform and accountability.
Ochanya had left her rural home in Ogene-Amejo seeking better education in Ugbokolo. Instead, she endured years of abuse before dying at the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi. Her story continues to resonate as a symbol of the urgent need to protect vulnerable children across Nigeria.
