The family of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after years of alleged sexual abuse, has called on the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure justice is served in the case.
Her brother, John Ameh, made the call on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’, where he revealed that the family had been receiving death threats for demanding justice.
“It’s been really difficult for us as a family. We’ve been re-traumatised by the renewed call for justice in Ochanya’s case. Nigerians from all walks of life have shown us support, but it’s still a painful experience,” Ameh said.
He added, “If she were the daughter of a prominent person, would this be happening? If the Inspector General of Police, the First Lady, and the President are really in charge, they must find these people and bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes.”
Ameh, who is also a journalist, claimed the family has been harassed and threatened by people connected to the suspects.
“We have been harassed, intimidated, and threatened. My life is in danger. Since the renewed call for justice, I no longer stay at home because they are against the advocacy. Our parents in the village have no protection. I’ve written several times to the police about these threats,” he said.
He recalled being attacked in 2018 during a court session in Makurdi. “When Mrs Ogbuja was arraigned by NAPTIP, I went to witness proceedings, and I was attacked by her younger sibling. He came with his goons and told me, ‘I will deal with you.’ I reported to the police, but nothing was done,” he added.
Ameh expressed disappointment that Victor Ogbuja, one of the alleged perpetrators, has not been arrested seven years after the incident.
“Could you imagine that for seven years, the police have refused to arrest the main suspect? It only shows how badly crime is handled in this country,” he said.
Ochanya was allegedly raped by a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor. She died at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, on October 17, 2018, from complications linked to vesicovaginal fistula.
In April 2022, a Benue State High Court acquitted Andrew Ogbuja due to insufficient evidence, while Ochanya’s aunt, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, was sentenced to five months in prison for negligence.
The call for justice has sparked a renewed campaign on social media under the hashtag #justiceforchanya, with prominent Nigerians joining in.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan wrote on Facebook, “Seven years ago, the story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail, but they were discharged and acquitted. The family should send me a petition. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya.”
