The sister of late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje has lamented the slow pace of justice in her case.
She appealed to Nigerians for help, saying the family still faces major legal obstacles.
The elder sister of the late 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje has spoken out again, expressing frustration over the slow progress and obstacles her family continues to face in their quest for justice.
During an interview with TVC, Ms. Ogbanje revealed that her aunt, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, in whose care Ochanya lived, still resides with her husband, Mr. Andrew Oguja, who was accused of repeatedly r@ping Ochanya along with his son, Victor Oguja. She also noted that Mr. Andrew remains a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.
Ms. Ogbanje said her family has made several efforts to pursue justice but has faced repeated setbacks. She expressed particular concern that while Victor’s whereabouts are known, he continues to evade arrest.
“He was never arrested or questioned. I was surprised when I started seeing his pictures everywhere, in Lagos, attending events, yet the police say they can’t find him. My brother has written petition upon petition for this guy to be arrested and face the law, but nothing has been done,” she said.
Speaking on Mr. Andrew’s case, she explained that the legal process has become complicated. “Mr. Andrew’s case is complex. I am not too informed on the legal aspect, but we are working on it. This is because he has been discharged and acquitted. Some lawyers are saying that we can no longer appeal as a family, that only the state can reopen the case. Others are saying something different. So that is not in our power as it is,” she said.
Appealing to Nigerians for support, she continued: “That’s why we are asking Nigerians to help us. Anybody that knows somebody, please help. Because this is what Nigeria is all about. If you are not in power, if you don’t have people backing you, even the right thing that should be done may never be done.”
Ochanya’s case drew national outrage in 2018 when it was revealed that she died from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) caused by prolonged s3x-ual ab8se. She was only five when her family sent her to live with her aunt, but between ages eight and thirteen, she was allegedly assaulted by both Andrew and Victor Oguja.
While Mr. Andrew was acquitted due to what the court described as “prosecutorial failure,” his wife, Felicia, was sentenced to five months in prison for negligence. Victor, who fled after the ab8se became public, has never been arrested. However, recent videos showing him dancing and promoting a song in Lagos have reignited anger, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate arrest and full justice for Ochanya.
