FAME Foundation Calls for Justice in Ochanya Ogbanje’s Case

FAME Foundation joins Nigerians and the global community in demanding justice for late Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old girl whose life was tragically cut short following years of mistreatment, neglect, and systemic failure.

Ochanya was a bright and ambitious child with dreams and a right to safety and education. Instead, she suffered years of sexual abuse at the hands of Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, and his son, Victor Ogbuja, while living under their care. Both men violated her trust and humanity, leaving her with lasting injuries that ultimately led to her death in October 2018.

Before her death, Ochanya was admitted to the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, for two months, where she was diagnosed with Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a severe medical condition linked to repeated sexual trauma. Medical examinations also revealed that she suffered urinary incontinence and other complications. While one autopsy report described her death as “natural causes,” another report from the Nigeria Police Forensic Laboratory linked her condition to diseases associated with sexual abuse. These conflicting findings raise serious concerns about the thoroughness and integrity of the medical and investigative process that followed her death.

Seven years after her passing, justice for Ochanya remains incomplete. Despite the gravity of the crimes committed against her, accountability has been slow, fragmented, and insufficient. Her abusers continue to evade full punishment, and these men remain at large, free from the justice that Ochanya deserves.

FAME Foundation strongly condemns the persistent delays, weak investigations, and systemic failures that have denied Ochanya the justice she deserves. Justice delayed is justice denied. The inability of the justice system to deliver full accountability emboldens abusers and silences victims across the country.

We therefore call on the Nigerian Police Force, the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and all relevant authorities to reopen and pursue the case with renewed vigour. FAME Foundation demands the immediate arrest and prosecution of these men, a full review of the investigation process, and justice that honours Ochanya’s memory and restores public confidence in the fight against gender-based violence.

Nigeria must not continue to fail its children. The protection of girls must become a national priority, not a recurring tragedy. Communities must break the culture of silence that shields perpetrators, and institutions must act swiftly and decisively when children cry for help.

At FAME Foundation, we stand with Ochanya’s family, with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and with every child whose pain has been ignored. We reaffirm our commitment to advocating for justice, accountability, and protection for all children.

We will continue to speak, to demand, and to fight until every child in Nigeria is safe.

We will not rest. We will not be silent. We will not forget.

Justice for Ochanya!