Real Story Behind the Death of 13-Year-Old Ochanya Ogbanje, Calls for Justice Renewed Seven Years After

• Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, Nigerians are once again demanding justice for the young girl whose life was cut short by years of alleged sexual abuse.

Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, Nigerians have once again reignited their demand for justice — urging authorities to arrest a key suspect, Victor Ogbuja, who has remained at large since 2018.

Ochanya, a student of Federal Government Girls’ College, Gboko, died on 17 October 2018 following complications from years of alleged sexual abuse by Victor and his father, Andrew Ogbuja, both maternal relatives of the deceased.

Background of the Case

According to court documents and media reports, Ochanya had moved from her rural home in Ogene-Amejo to live with the Ogbuja family in Ugbokolo, Benue State, in hopes of better education. Over a five-year period, she was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assaults by both father and son — acts that reportedly led to her developing a Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a severe medical condition caused by trauma during sexual abuse.

Medical officials at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, confirmed that she battled complications from VVF for months before her death.

Her case sparked nationwide outrage in 2018, drawing attention from civil-society groups, gender-rights activists, and the media. The hashtag #JusticeForOchanya became a rallying cry on social media, with organisations such as the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) and NAPTIP demanding accountability.

Legal Proceedings and Contradictory Judgements

On 22 April 2022, the Benue State High Court in Makurdi acquitted Andrew Ogbuja of the charges of rape and culpable homicide. However, on the same day, the Federal High Court, Makurdi convicted his wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, who was Ochanya’s guardian, for negligence — sentencing her to five months imprisonment without an option of fine.

In November 2022, the Court of Appeal, Makurdi, upheld Felicia’s conviction, describing her conduct as “heinous and devoid of sympathy.” The presiding judge, Justice Hassan Muslim, ruled that she failed to act despite warnings from her own daughter, Winifred Ogbuja, about the abuse.

Victor, however, evaded arrest in 2018 and remains a fugitive. Reports circulating online allege he is currently in Lagos, pursuing a music career — though this claim has not been officially verified.

Public Outrage Rekindled

In October 2025, social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok exploded with renewed outrage as Nigerians marked the seventh anniversary of Ochanya’s death.

Prominent social media personality Tunde Ednut shared the story on Instagram, writing:

“A father and son allegedly abused a little girl until she died. This is heartbreaking. Ochanya must get justice.”

His post, which attracted over 34,000 likes and thousands of comments, reignited national debate about sexual violence and the weaknesses in Nigeria’s criminal-justice system.

A Change.org petition titled “Justice for Ochanya” is also gaining traction, calling for authorities to arrest Victor Ogbuja and reopen the case.

Advocates Demand Renewed Investigation

Child-rights activist Betty Abah has repeatedly condemned the failure of authorities to track down Victor. In a statement shared on Facebook, she urged the Benue State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency to take action.

“Reports suggest he is in Lagos living freely. It’s time to reopen this case and ensure that, even in death, Ochanya gets justice,” Abah said.

She emphasised that the case should serve as a rallying point for stronger protection of children against sexual abuse nationwide.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: UK Warns Citizens Against Drinking Alcohol in Nigeria Over ‘Methanol Poisoning’

The Larger Issue

Experts have described the Ochanya Ogbanje case as a reflection of Nigeria’s broader struggle with justice for survivors of sexual violence — particularly minors. According to the UNICEF Nigeria Child Protection Report, thousands of cases of child sexual abuse go unreported or unresolved due to stigma, corruption, and procedural delays in the justice system.

Legal analysts argue that the split decisions between the High Court and Federal Court underscore the need for judicial reform and improved inter-agency collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, NAPTIP, and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Seven years later, the cry for justice for Ochanya Ogbanje remains loud. Her story continues to symbolise the devastating impact of child sexual abuse and the deep cracks in Nigeria’s legal and protective systems.

As online activism gains new momentum and advocates push for the re-arrest of Victor Ogbuja, Nigerians are once again reminded that justice delayed is justice denied — and that Ochanya’s death must not be in vain.