Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has formally requested that the Senate investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje.
The Senator submitted the petition—on behalf of Inibehe Effiong Chambers—during the plenary session on Wednesday. Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that certain individuals are attempting to “shield those responsible from accountability” in the case.
Ochanya, who was a student at the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, passed away in 2018 following complications reportedly linked to prolonged sexual abuse.
The Senator stated: “This petition is on the refusal to arrest and prosecute Victor and Andrew Ogbuja, for the rape to death of a 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje.”
She explained the tragic timeline, noting that Ms. Ochanya was sent to live with her maternal aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, at the age of five for a better education. “But unfortunately, her uncle, who is the husband to her maternal aunt, named Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja, took turns to rape her from the age of six to 13, where she died,” the Senator detailed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed that the deceased “suffered severe violations for years, yet justice continues to be delayed and denied.” She further explained the severity of the abuse, saying, “It was reported that she developed VVF, which is the medical term for vesicovaginal fistula, also the fecal urinary incontinence,” adding, “And this was basically because she was raped from her vagina and anus daily. This case represents a failure of the system to protect a child.”
The Senator highlighted that the issue “has lingered due to alleged interference, intimidation of witnesses, and attempts to downplay the crime.”
She called on the Senate to secure justice for the family and asked for a thorough review of the process for handling children’s rights cases in Nigeria. Akpoti-Uduaghan concluded, “This Senate must send a strong message that the lives of Nigerian children matter and that justice cannot be negotiated.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio then directed the petition to the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions for review and to prepare recommendations for the Senate.
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