Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has called for renewed legal action and justice in the case of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, whose death in 2018 followed years of alleged sexual abuse.
The abuse was reportedly perpetrated by her guardian’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor Ogbuja. The case had previously drawn nationwide condemnation and sparked advocacy for stronger child protection and sexual abuse laws in Nigeria.
However, recent developments indicate that both accused individuals have been discharged and acquitted by the court, a decision that has reignited public outrage.
In a statement shared on her official Instagram page on Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep concern over the acquittal, saying:
“Seven years ago, the heart-wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted.”
The senator urged Ochanya’s family to submit a formal petition to her office (Room 2:05, Senate Wing, National Assembly Complex, Abuja) to enable her to initiate appropriate legislative and oversight actions.
“For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya,” she affirmed, while acknowledging social media advocate #miss_natural1 for reviving public attention to the case.
The #JusticeForOchanya campaign has since regained traction on social media platforms, with Nigerians demanding accountability, legal review, and systemic reforms to ensure stronger child protection enforcement.
The acquittal raises broader concerns about judicial handling of sexual abuse cases, evidentiary standards in prosecution, and the need for legislative amendments to safeguard minors from abuse and institutional neglect.
