Senator Natasha Demands Justice After Court Frees Suspects In Ochanya Ogbanje Case

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has called for renewed action in the case of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, whose death in 2018 followed years of alleged sexual abuse by her guardian’s husband, Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor.

The case, which once drew nationwide outrage and calls for stronger child protection laws, has resurfaced after reports that the accused individuals were recently discharged and acquitted by a court.

In a statement shared on her Instagram page on Thursday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep concern over the court’s decision, saying she had believed justice had already been served. She said she was shocked to learn that the individuals accused of abusing Ochanya were no longer facing punishment.

The senator urged Ochanya’s family to formally petition her office at the National Assembly so that she could take the matter up through legislative channels. She pledged to pursue justice for the late teenager, stressing that her death should not go unanswered.

Akpoti-Uduaghan also credited social media advocate #miss_natural1 for drawing renewed attention to the case, noting that public awareness remains vital in ensuring accountability.

The development has reignited the #JusticeForOchanya movement across social media, with Nigerians demanding that the case be revisited and that the nation strengthen laws protecting children from abuse and sexual violence.