BREAKING: Senator Natasha takes Ochanya Ogbanje’s case to Nigerian Senate, demands arrest of Andrew, Victor Ogbuja

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged the Nigerian Senate to investigate the death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor Ogbuja.

Akpoti-Uduaghan presented the petition on behalf of Inibehe Effiong Chambers during Wednesday’s plenary session, accusing some persons of attempting to prevent the arrest of the suspects.

IDOMA VOICE reports that Ochanya, a student of the Federal Government Girls College in Gboko, died in 2018 following complications reportedly linked to prolonged sexual abuse.

“This petition is on the refusal to arrest and prosecute Victor and Andrew Ogbuja for the rape to death of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje,” the senator said.

According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, Ochanya was sent to live with her maternal aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, at the age of five to pursue better education. “But unfortunately, her uncle, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja, repeatedly raped her from age six until her death at 13,” she stated.

The senator said the victim “suffered severe violations for years, yet justice continues to be delayed and denied.” She added that Ochanya developed vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and fecal urinary incontinence due to the abuse, describing the case as “a systemic failure to protect a child.”

“This Senate must send a strong message that the lives of Nigerian children matter and that justice cannot be negotiated,” she said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the petition to the committee on ethics, code of conduct, and public petitions for review and recommendations.