Senator Natasha Urges Senate Probe Into Death of 13-Year-Old Ochanya Ogbanje

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central) has submitted a petition to the Senate calling for an urgent investigation into the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje. The petition, presented during Wednesday’s plenary on behalf of Inibehe Effiong Chambers, alleges that certain individuals are attempting to shield those implicated in the case from accountability.

Ochanya, a student of Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, passed away on October 17, 2018, after health complications linked to prolonged abuse. The petition demands the arrest and prosecution of the key suspect, Victor Ogbuja, and urges the Benue State Government to appeal the acquittal of his father, Andrew Ogbuja.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that Ochanya had lived with the Ogbuja family since she was five and was allegedly subjected to repeated abuse by both father and son, resulting in serious medical complications.

“This petition addresses the refusal to arrest and prosecute Victor and Andrew Ogbuja for the rape and death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje,” she said. “She suffered severe violations for years, yet justice continues to be delayed and denied. This case represents a failure of the system to protect a child.”

The senator also raised concerns about alleged interference in the case, witness intimidation, and attempts to downplay the incident. She urged the Senate to ensure justice for the family and to review how cases involving children’s rights are handled in Nigeria.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, noting that there are no ongoing legal proceedings, referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen (APC, Edo South). The committee is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding Ochanya’s death, the alleged lapses in the justice process, and the long-delayed appeal by the state government.

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