The hashtag #JusticeForOchanya has surged back onto social media as Nigerians renew demands for justice, seven years after the death of 13 year old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, who lost her life after enduring years of sexual abuse.
Ochanya, a young girl from Benue State, stayed with her uncle, Dr. Andrew Ogbuja, in Makurdi so she could attend school. According to reports, she was repeatedly raped over several years by both Dr. Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja.
In 2018, she died due to complications from Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) and other health problems linked to continuous abuse.Although Dr. Ogbuja was charged and taken to court, many Nigerians insist that the justice system failed to hold everyone responsible.
Ochanya’s aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, was convicted for negligence and exposing the child to danger. She received a five-month jail sentence without an option of fine for failing to protect the child. Around the same period, the State High Court cleared Dr. Ogbuja of the accusations.
Victor Ogbuja, who was also accused in the case, was never convicted, and over time, the matter disappeared from public conversation.
But in October 2025, Nigerians reignited the fight for justice. Thousands of voices on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook are demanding that the case be reopened, accusing the justice system of abandoning Ochanya and other victims like her.
Many are asking why Victor Ogbuja was never held accountable. Child rights activist Betty Abah raised alarm over Victor’s continued absence and called on authorities, including the Benue State Government, Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Women Affairs, and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, to reopen the case.
She stated that Dr. Ogbuja was acquitted, while Felicia Ogbuja served time, but Victor fled and is still at large.
“Reports say he is currently in Lagos, even pursuing a music career despite an arrest warrant. The case must be reopened so that Ochanya can finally get justice,” Abah wrote on Facebook.
Popular chef and influencer Hilda Baci also joined the movement, announcing her donation to a GoFundMe fund created to support the legal fight.
