Pecohub The family of Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old who died in 2018 from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse, has urged First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to ensure justice in her case, including the arrest of a key suspect.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Friday, Ochanya’s brother, John Ameh, said the family continues to grapple with the trauma of her death, describing the renewed calls for justice as both painful and emotionally challenging.
“It’s quite traumatising; we’ve been re-traumatised by the renewed call for justice in Ochanya’s case,” Mr Ameh said.
“However, it’s somewhat comforting to receive support from Nigerians across the country. I’ve been inundated with calls from concerned citizens. Reliving the circumstances of Ochanya’s death has been extremely difficult for us as a family.”
Mr Ameh questioned whether the case would have progressed differently if Ochanya were the child of a prominent family.
“If she were the daughter of an elite, would this be happening? Certainly not. It’s unfortunate. If the IGP, the First Lady, and the President are truly in charge, they must ensure that those responsible are held accountable, no matter how long it takes,” he said.
Prime suspect remains at large
Mr Ameh expressed shock that Victor Ogbuja, son of a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic and a prime suspect, remains unarrested seven years after Ochanya’s death.
“We must situate this issue in the right context. The Ogbujas are not acting alone and apparently have backing from influential figures. My family and I have faced harassment, intimidation, and threats. Since the renewed call for justice, I no longer stay at home, knowing that they oppose this advocacy,” he said.
He said their parents remain in their village without protection despite repeated appeals.
“I wrote multiple letters to authorities detailing these threats, but no action was taken,” he added.
Recounting an incident in court, Mr Ameh said, “In 2018, when Mrs Ogbuja was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Makurdi by NAPTIP, I went to observe the proceedings and was attacked by her younger sibling, who came with several associates. He warned me, saying, ‘I will deal with you.’ Subsequent court appearances were met with the same harassment.”
Mr Ameh said he formally reported the threats to both the Benue State Commissioner of Police and the Inspector General of Police, requesting security for himself and witnesses. “Nothing was done,” he said.
He described the failure to arrest the prime suspect as “shocking” and a reflection of systemic weaknesses in law enforcement.
“For seven years, the police have refused to apprehend the principal perpetrator of such a heinous crime. This highlights the failure of government institutions, particularly the police, in addressing serious crimes,” Mr Ameh said.
