Seven Years of Pain: Ochanya’s Family Urges IGP to Arrest Fleeing Suspect, Demands Closure in Tragic Case

Seven years after the tragic death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse, her grieving family is intensifying its appeal for justice. In a renewed plea, they have urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to officially declare the principal fleeing suspect, Victor Ogbuja, wanted and ensure his immediate arrest.

The case, dating back to 2018 and involving allegations of abuse by her supposed guardians, has become emblematic of the struggle against judicial delays and impunity in Nigeria. The family’s insistence highlights the urgent need to finalize prosecution and achieve long-overdue closure.

Ochanya Ogbanje passed away in October 2018 after suffering months of severe health complications resulting from alleged sexual molestation. The abuse was reportedly perpetrated by her former guardian, Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, and his son, Victor Ogbuja, while she lived in their care.

Key developments in the legal saga include:

• Acquittal and Appeal: Andrew Ogbuja was acquitted of rape charges by a Makurdi High Court in 2022. The decision was met with public outrage and has been appealed by the state government and human rights organizations.
• The Fleeing Suspect: Victor Ogbuja has reportedly remained at large since the investigation began, successfully evading justice for the grievous crime.

Ochanya’s family, represented by her brother, John Ameh, has called on the IGP to mobilize the full resources of the Nigerian Police Force to apprehend Victor Ogbuja.

They also appealed to First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to leverage her platform to pressure law enforcement agencies. Civil society groups, including the NBA-Human Rights Institute (NBA-HRI), stress that the suspect’s continued freedom is an open wound on the nation’s conscience and undermines the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

The seven-year struggle of Ochanya’s family exposes systemic weaknesses that delay or deny justice, especially in cases of sexual violence against minors. The renewed public outcry and direct appeal to the IGP emphasize that the case is far from over. Securing the arrest and prosecution of Victor Ogbuja is now a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to protecting children and delivering Justice For Ochanya Fleeing Suspect.