Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called for a comprehensive Senate inquiry into the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, citing a critical breakdown in justice.
The Kogi Central representative submitted an official appeal urging immediate action to hold the alleged perpetrators accountable for the girl’s tragic passing.
The petition highlights institutional failures, accusing the Nigeria Police of negligence in apprehending the main suspect and condemning the Benue State government for not challenging a controversial acquittal.
According to the appeal, Ochanya endured years of sexual violence while living with the Ogbuja family, ultimately succumbing to severe health complications in 2018.
“Ms Ochanya was sent to live with her maternal aunt at the age of five, in pursuit of better education. But unfortunately, her uncle and his son took turns to rape her from the age of six to 13, where she died.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the brutal physical consequences of the sustained abuse, noting the victim developed devastating medical conditions including vesicovaginal fistula.
She characterized the situation as a fundamental failure of Nigeria’s protective systems for children and cited evidence of external pressure on the judicial process.
The Senate leadership has directed the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for detailed examination.
This parliamentary intervention coincides with renewed public demand for accountability, as evidenced by the viral #JusticeForOchanya campaign across social media platforms.
Previous legal proceedings resulted in the acquittal of Andrew Ogbuja, while his wife received a minimal sentence for negligence. The secondary suspect, Victor Ogbuja, remains a fugitive from justice.
The victim’s relatives have reported ongoing intimidation tactics aimed at discouraging their pursuit of legal redress, prompting appeals for federal protection.
