Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has expressed deep concern over the tragic case of Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, the 13-year-old girl who died in 2018 after reportedly suffering years of sexual abuse.
In an Instagram post, the senator revealed her heartbreak upon learning that the accused in the case had been discharged and acquitted.
She called on Ochanya’s family to submit a formal petition to her office at the National Assembly to help pursue justice.
“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 family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Room 2:05 Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja. For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya.”
Ochanya’s case remains one of the most prominent instances of child sexual abuse in Nigeria.
Reports indicate she lived with Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, and his wife Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, while attending school.
According to eyewitness accounts and a video recorded by Ochanya before her death, she was allegedly sexually abused for five years by Mr. Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
In October 2018, Ochanya died from complications associated with Vesicovagina Fistula (vvf), a severe condition often resulting from sexual violence or prolonged childbirth that causes continuous urinary leakage.
Her death triggered nationwide outrage and fueled the social media movement #JusticeForOchanya, demanding accountability and stronger protections for minors.
However, in April 2022, the Benue State High Court in Makurdi acquitted Mr. Andrew Ogbuja of raping and causing the death of Ochanya.
On the same day, a Federal High Court in Makurdi convicted his wife, Mrs. Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, for neglect, sentencing her to five months in prison without the option of a fine for failing to protect the child.
The acquittal of Mr. Ogbuja reignited public anger and frustration, with many Nigerians taking to social media to revive the #JusticeForOchanya campaign.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention has added another voice to the growing call for renewed legal attention to the case.
Known for her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, the senator reaffirmed her commitment to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring justice is served.
