Solidarity protest demanding justice for late Ochanya Ogbanje
Seven years after the death of 13-year old Ochanya Ogbanje, her family has renewed calls for justice, urging the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to order the arrest of the alleged perpetrator, Victor Ogbuja, who has reportedly been on the run since 2018.
In a petition titled “Police Refusal to Arrest and Prosecute Victor Ogbuja Over the Gruesome Rape and Death of 13-Year-Old Ochanya Ogbanje After Seven Years”, the Ogbanje family of Ogene-Amejo, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, appealed to the police authorities to take decisive action.
The family’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, who signed the petition, called on the IGP to declare the suspect wanted, place him on the police watchlist, and launch a manhunt to ensure his arrest.
> “We write to bring to your knowledge the blatant refusal of the Nigeria Police Force to apprehend and prosecute a fleeing suspected rapist, Victor Ogbuja, seven long years after he absconded when it became public that he repeatedly raped Ochanya Ogbanje,” the petition stated.
The family expressed concern that despite national outrage following Ochanya’s death in October 2018, no meaningful progress had been made to bring the suspect to justice. They alleged that Ogbuja, believed to be residing in Lagos, has continued to evade arrest.
> “We urge the IGP to declare the fleeing suspect wanted, put him on the watchlist, and launch a manhunt for his arrest,” the petition reiterated.
The Ogbanje family also urged the police to transfer the case file from the Benue State Command to the Force Headquarters for renewed investigation, citing concerns about threats and intimidation allegedly from the suspect’s relatives.
According to them, these threats have caused distress and fear among family members, prompting their call for police protection.
> “It is our considered view that the failure of the Police to apprehend Victor Ogbuja for prosecution has occasioned a grievous injustice, not only to the late Ochanya but also poses a danger to other innocent girls and women,” the petition added.
They further stated that continued inaction undermines Nigeria’s image globally, portraying the country as one where “the rights of vulnerable people are trampled upon by the powerful.”
The family believes that revisiting the case offers the Nigeria Police Force an opportunity to rebuild public confidence and demonstrate commitment to justice for victims of gender-based violence.
Background
Ochanya Ogbanje was only five years old when she left her hometown, Ogene-Amejo, to live with a relative, Mrs. Felicia Ogbuja, in Ugbokolo, Benue State, in search of better educational opportunities.
Reports later revealed that from around the age of seven, she was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assault by Mrs. Ogbuja’s son, Victor Ogbuja, which eventually led to severe health complications, including faecal and urinary incontinence.
At 13, her condition worsened, prompting her caregiver, Evangelist Enuwa Soo, to take her to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where she eventually died on October 17, 2018.
A medical report from BSUTH confirmed that Ochanya suffered “faecal and urinary incontinence, which progressively worsened until her death.”
While Mrs. Felicia Ogbuja was convicted and sentenced to five months imprisonment for negligence, the main suspect, Victor Ogbuja, has not been apprehended since he was declared wanted.
The family maintains that bringing the case to closure is not only about justice for Ochanya but also about protecting other children from similar abuse.
