#JusticeForOchanya: Senator Natasha moves to reopen case of late rape victim

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to seek justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, whose tragic death in 2018 sparked nationwide outrage and the #JusticeForOchanya campaign.

Ochanya, a student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, reportedly died from complications of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) after years of sexual abuse allegedly committed by her guardian’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja.

Andrew, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son were accused of repeatedly assaulting Ochanya from the age of eight, a crime that led to severe medical and psychological trauma.

However, Senator Natasha revealed in a statement on Wednesday that she recently discovered both suspects had been discharged and acquitted by the court.

“Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” she wrote.

The Kogi Central senator then urged the victim’s family to formally petition her office to enable her to take up the case at the National Assembly.

“The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me at Room 2:05, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” Senator Natasha said.

Ochanya was buried on November 2, 2018, in Ogene-Amejo village, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

Her case remains one of Nigeria’s most disturbing stories of child abuse, and the senator’s renewed interest has reignited public calls for accountability and justice.