The Nigerian Senate has taken decisive action to pursue justice for Ochanya Ogbanje, the 13-year-old schoolgirl whose tragic death in 2018 sparked nationwide anger over alleged prolonged sexual abuse.
Senator Natasha Presents Crucial Petition
During Wednesday's plenary session, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, presented an urgent petition from the Ogbanje family. The document was filed by Inibehe Effiong Chambers and demanded immediate legislative intervention to reopen the stalled case.
The petition called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Victor Ogbuja, the prime suspect who remains at large. It also urged the Benue State Government to officially challenge the court judgment that acquitted the suspect's father, Andrew Ogbuja.
Harrowing Details of the Case
The petition revealed disturbing details about Ochanya's ordeal. The young girl had lived with the Ogbuja family in Benue State since she was just five years old. According to the allegations, she suffered repeated rape by both father and son over an extended period.
Ochanya's health deteriorated due to severe complications from the abuse, ultimately leading to her death on October 17, 2018. Her passing ignited national outrage and highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by many Nigerian children.
Despite public demands for justice, the petition accused the Nigeria Police Force of failing to rearrest Victor Ogbuja after he absconded following the scandal. It also criticized the Benue State Government for refusing to appeal the High Court ruling that freed Andrew Ogbuja on grounds of insufficient evidence.
Senate Takes Immediate Action
Following Senator Natasha's presentation, the Senate acknowledged that no legal proceedings were currently active in the case. The petition was immediately referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for urgent legislative action.
The committee is now expected to review all aspects of the case and recommend whether the Senate should launch a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ochanya's abuse, death, and the subsequent legal failures.
The committee may also consider compelling the Benue State Government to file the long-demanded appeal against the High Court judgment that acquitted Andrew Ogbuja.
This legislative move, championed by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, represents a critical opportunity to address what many consider a grave miscarriage of justice. The Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions is expected to invite all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, state authorities, and the Ogbanje family, to provide evidence and testimony.
With the petition now formally before the Senate, the nation watches closely to see whether legislative intervention, driven by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's advocacy, will finally deliver the justice that has eluded Ochanya's family for years. The case continues to symbolize the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable children across Nigeria.
