#JusticeForOchanya: Nigerians demand reopening of case of lady raped to loss of life by uncle, cousin
#JusticeForOchanya has resurfaced throughout social media platforms as Nigerians name for justice, seven years after the loss of life of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, who died following years of alleged sexual abuse.
Ochanya, a teenage lady from Benue State, had been residing along with her uncle, Dr Andrew Ogbuja, in Makurdi to attend college. Stories revealed that she was repeatedly raped by each Dr Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja, over a number of years.
She later died in 2018 resulting from problems from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and different abuse-related well being points.
Whereas Dr Ogbuja was arraigned and confronted trial, many Nigerians imagine the justice system failed to completely prosecute all these concerned.
Ochanya’s aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, was convicted for negligence, exposing the kid to rape. She was jailed for 5 months with out an choice of advantageous for failing to guard the kid from her husband, however the State Excessive Courtroom, about the identical time, exonerated the person.
Victor Ogbuja, who was additionally accused, was by no means convicted, and the case finally pale from public view.
Nevertheless, in October 2025, Nigerians are as soon as once more demanding justice. Hundreds of customers on X (previously Twitter), Fb, TikTok and Instagram have referred to as for the reopening of the case, accusing the justice system of failing Ochanya and others like her.
Many are calling for a full investigation into why the second accused, Victor, was by no means held accountable.
Little one rights activist Betty Abah expressed concern over the continuing absence of Victor Ogbuja and urged related authorities, together with the Benue State Authorities, Nigeria Police Pressure, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Ladies Affairs, and Lagos State Home and Sexual Violence Company, to reopen the case.
She famous that Andrew Ogbuja was acquitted by the Benue State Excessive Courtroom, whereas Felicia Ogbuja, Ochanya’s aunt and guardian, was sentenced to 5 months in jail for negligence. Victor Ogbuja, nevertheless, fled and stays at giant.
“Stories point out he’s now in Lagos pursuing a music profession regardless of an energetic arrest warrant. It’s time to reopen the case and make sure that Ochanya receives justice, even after her loss of life,” Ms Abah wrote on her Fb web page.
Common chef and influencer Hilda Baci took to Instagram to announce her donation to the GoFundMe fund supporting the pursuit of justice for Elizabeth Ochanya.
“This isn’t about social media developments or relevance. It’s about standing collectively for one thing larger than all of us. Serving to this younger lady get justice provides energy and confidence to others who’ve suffered comparable ache however are nonetheless right here, making an attempt to heal,” she wrote, urging the general public to point out they care and stand united towards abuse.
The pattern has sparked renewed discussions concerning the security of women, accountability of guardians, and the gaps in Nigeria’s judicial response to sexual and gender-based violence.
Some have additionally criticised the silence from state authorities and legislation enforcement companies, saying this case displays a broader tradition of silence round abuse in Nigeria, particularly when the victims are minors and the perpetrators are kin.
Additionally, a lady youngster rights activist, Lawrita Agbor, demanded reopening of the case, urging that justice should be seen to have been finished.
Because the hashtag continues to pattern, Nigerians await a proper response from the judiciary and related authorities on whether or not the case will probably be revisited.