Ochanya’s Sister Speaks: Family Still Seeking Justice

The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje says their fight for justice is far from over. In a recent interview with TVC, Ochanya’s elder sister spoke out about the family’s frustration and the seeming lack of accountability for those accused of abusing the young girl.

According to Ms. Ogbanje, their attempts to seek justice have been met with silence and disappointment. She expressed shock that Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, the aunt who was convicted for neglect, is still living with her husband, Mr. Andrew Ogbuja, who was accused alongside his son, Victor Ogbuja, of repeatedly assaulting Ochanya.

She also revealed that Andrew Ogbuja still teaches at the Benue State Polytechnic, despite the disturbing case.

“He was never arrested, he was never questioned. I was even surprised when I started seeing his pictures all over the place, that Victor is here in Lagos. But the Nigerian police are saying that they don’t know where Victor is,” Ms. Ogbanje said.

She added that her brother had submitted multiple petitions demanding Victor’s arrest, but authorities have yet to act.

Ochanya’s story drew national outrage when it came to light in 2018. At just 13, she died from complications caused by years of sexual abuse that allegedly began when she was eight.

When she was five, her family had sent her to live with her aunt, Felicia Ogbuja, whose husband, Andrew, taught at the Benue State Polytechnic in Ugbokolo. There, she was reportedly abused by both Andrew and his son, Victor.

Before her death from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), Ochanya reportedly identified her abusers during a two-month hospital stay.

Following a long court process, Mr. Andrew Ogbuja was acquitted due to what has been described as “prosecutorial failure.” His wife, Felicia, was sentenced to five months in prison for negligence, far less than what many considered justice for the young girl’s suffering.

Victor, the second suspect, has never faced trial. He’s been on the run since 2018, despite repeated claims by law enforcement that his whereabouts are unknown.

However, earlier this year, new photos and videos surfaced online showing Victor Ogbuja dancing with friends and promoting a song, reportedly in Lagos. The images sparked widespread anger, with many Nigerians questioning how someone “on the run” could appear so publicly without being arrested.