Foundation renews call for justice in Ochanya abuse case

An Enugu-based foundation, Kunie Foundation, has renewed its call for justice for 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died after suffering sexual abuse complications seven years ago in Benue.

The Communications Manager, Kunie Foundation, Mr Uchenna Igboeme, made the call in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ogbanje, a Junior Secondary School student at the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko in Benue State, died on Oct. 17, 2018.

This followed complications linked to years of alleged sexual abuse by one Victor Ogbuja and his father, Andrew Ogbuja, who were maternal relations of the deceased.

Igboeme expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic and painful death of Ogbanje, calling for systemic reforms and accountability.

According to him, Ogbanje story remains a chilling reminder of the systemic failures that continue to deny vulnerable girls justice in Nigeria.

“Ochanya, a 13-year-old schoolgirl, suffered prolonged sexual abuse at the hands of those who were meant to protect her, yet years after her death, justice remains painfully delayed.

“As an organisation committed to co-creating sustainable futures for women and children, we are deeply disturbed by the slow pace of legal proceedings and the culture of impunity that allows perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to walk free.

“Every day justice is delayed, another girl is silenced, and another family is left heartbroken,” he said.

The communication officer added that the case stands as a stark reflection of the urgent need to strengthen child protection systems, enforce existing laws like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

This, he said, would ensure that survivors and their families receive the dignity, protection, and justice they deserve.

“At Kunie Foundation, our work centres on advocacy, research, and community-led initiatives that safeguard vulnerable children, empower women, and dismantle the barriers that perpetuate inequality and abuse.

“Ochanya’s story reinforces why our mission matters, because every child deserves to live, learn, and dream without fear.

“We call on the Benue Government, the Ministry of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and all relevant law enforcement agencies to act decisively and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice without further delay,” he said.

Igboeme stressed that justice for Ogbanje was not just about her but about protecting every Nigerian child from similar horror.

“We urge all citizens, civil society organisations, and the media to keep Ogbanje’s story alive until justice is served. Silence and inaction are forms of complicity we cannot afford.

“May Ogbanje’s soul continue to rest in peace, and may her death awaken our collective conscience to protect every girl child across Nigeria,” he prayed.

NAN reports that in  April 2022, the Benue High Court discharged and acquitted the accused persons of the four-count charge of rape on the basis that the counsel failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Justice Augustine Ityonyiman noted that investigators, who were men of the Nigeria Police Force, failed to conduct a medical examination on Andrew to match his samples with those in the medical reports presented in court.

The judge also pointed out inconsistencies in the two autopsy reports submitted as evidence. While one from the Federal Medical Centre in Makurdi stated that Ochanya died of natural causes, another from the Nigerian Police Forensic Laboratory in Lagos linked her death to complications from sexual abuse.

PUNCH Online reports that  several celebrities have publicly voiced their support for justice in the unresolved rape case. Notable voices include:

Singer Tiwa Savage, who expressed deep sorrow and called for justice and child safety, emphasised the need to break the silence and not hide behind family titles and tradition.

Influencer Tunde Ednut pleaded for justice, urging people to repost “JUSTICE FOR OCHANYA” to amplify the call.

Activist Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, condemned systemic failures in the case and linked it to wider issues of rape and protester attacks.

Actress Kim Oprah highlighted that seven years after Ochanya’s death, the accused abuser remains free, prompting a call for justice for all children.

Kogi senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan invited the victim’s family to petition her, expressing disappointment that the perpetrators were discharged and acquitted.

These voices, alongside thousands of social media posts, have reignited the #JusticeForOchanya campaign, demanding accountability and legal action in the case seven years after Ochanya’s death

NAN