Celebrities have reignited public demands for justice in the unresolved rape and death case of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 from complications linked to years of sexual abuse.
The renewed outrage, driven by the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya, has trended across X, Instagram, and TikTok as Nigerians call for the prosecution of her alleged abusers.
According to earlier investigations by PUNCH Online in 2018, Ochanya, from Ogene-Amejo in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, moved to live with her aunt in Ugbokolo at age eight to pursue better schooling. There, she reportedly suffered years of abuse that ultimately led to her death.
The seventh anniversary of her death, marked on 17 October 2025, reignited the campaign online, drawing attention from prominent public figures.
Singer Tiwa Savage, with over 10 million followers on X, wrote.
“My heart is heavy. A young girl suffered unthinkable pain at the hands of those meant to protect her. We can’t stay silent or hide behind tradition. She deserves justice. Every child deserves safety.”
Influencer Tunde Ednut urged his 8.7 million Instagram followers to amplify the movement, posting.
“She must get justice. Please repost in your own way ‘JUSTICE FOR OCHANYA’ on your stories. Father and son abused that small girl from age 8 till she died at 13. Kai!”
Activist Aisha Yesufu, co-convener of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, had earlier condemned systemic failures in a 2019 post, linking Ochanya’s case to other unresolved rape incidents:
“#JusticeForOchanya #AbujaPoliceRaidonWomen #IStandWithBusolaDakolo they all have one thing in common: RAPE! And every time, the cowards attack protesters instead of addressing the real issue.”
Actress Kim Oprah also joined the calls, saying “Seven years after Ochanya’s tragic death, her accused abuser still walks free. No justice system should turn away from this. We owe it to her and every child to demand justice.”
Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the victim’s family to contact her directly, writing.
“Seven years ago, Ochanya’s story devastated me. I thought her abusers were jailed only to learn they were acquitted. The family should write a petition to me.”
Public outrage intensified when X user @withessn posted on 19 October 2025 “A father and son sexually abused Ochanya Ogbanje for five years. She died in 2018 from complications and those evil men still walk free.”
From 2013, Ochanya was repeatedly assaulted by Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son Victor Ogbuja.
A 2018 forensic report by the Nigerian Police Forensic Laboratory, Lagos, confirmed she suffered from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) caused by prolonged sexual abuse.
She died on 17 October 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi. However, in April 2022, the Benue State High Court acquitted Andrew Ogbuja, ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Ochanya’s aunt, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, was sentenced to five months in prison without an option of fine for negligence for failing to protect the child despite knowing of the abuse. Victor Ogbuja remains at large.
The victim’s family has reported ongoing threats. Her uncle, Michael Ogbanje, told PUNCH that unknown persons have attempted to intimidate them into abandoning the case. He appealed to the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police, and human rights groups for protection.
The renewed campaign has gained further traction following the launch of a Change.org petition on 25 October 2025, demanding a retrial for Andrew Ogbuja and the arrest of Victor. The petition has already gathered over 10,000 signatures.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Online observed that an X account believed to belong to Andrew Ogbuja’s daughter (@Winifunds) has been deactivated following widespread online criticism.
The National Human Rights Commission had earlier condemned the initial handling of the case in 2018.
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