There has been a resurgence of the call for justice for 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 after suffering years of abuse while living under the care of relatives in Ugbokolo, Benue State.
Ochanya passed away from complications linked to the prolonged assault, with doctors later diagnosing her with Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF).
She reportedly endured months of illness before her death.
Two members of the household, Andrew Ochiga-Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, and his son, Victor were charged in connection with the case.
Ochanya had revealed that both family members had raped her for years and threatened her to keep silent.
After years of court proceedings, Andrew was acquitted in 2022 due to lack of sufficient evidence, while Victor was declared wanted by the police.
Ochanya’s aunt, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, was separately convicted of negligence and sentenced to five months in prison without the option of a fine, a ruling that further fueled public outrage over the handling of the case.
The trial was also marked by conflicting autopsy reports, with one claiming natural causes and another linking her death directly to abuse, deepening concerns about how the case was managed.
Now, in 2025, Dockaysworld reports that activists, celebrities, and l of social media users have revived the #JusticeForOchanya campaign, demanding that authorities reopen the investigation and deliver long-delayed justice.
A GoFundMe has also reportedly been launched to support the family’s legal efforts to revisit the case.
Afrobeats star Ayra Starr tweeted: “Justice for Ochanya #protectthegirlchild.”
BBNaija Season 10 winner Imisi wrote: “We cannot be silent while predators walk free and victims are forgotten.
Ochanya deserves justice. Every child deserves safety.
The system must do better.”
@UnkleAyo wrote: “Whatever you do today, please don’t forget.
Don’t forget that a child, who could have been 20 today, is currently laying cold in the ground.
Her murderers raped her to death and they get to live their life.
Please don’t forget. Her name was Ochanya.”
2019 BBNaija winner Mercy Eke also called for justice via her X page.
Reality TV star Saskay wrote: “Good morning honorable minister @hm_womenaffairs.
I want to draw the case of Ochanya to your attention. I know your ministry has a mandate to promote the protection of children and you’re personally dedicated to working on girl-child issues.
Please consider lending your voice and assistance to ensure justice is served.
Thank you.”
Content creator and influencer Justin UG also added his voice, writing:
“✵ 7 years later, justice still hasn’t been served for Ochanya. A 13-year-old girl, abused for years by the people meant to protect her. Her story is so sad, man — no one deserves to go through anything like that, no one.”
Comedian Craze Clown said: “Since 2018 and now this is 2025 and we are still crying for #JusticeForOchanya.
We can’t even trust the justice system in this country!!.”
Celebrity chef Hilda Baci announced her donation to the GoFundMe campaign, saying,
“This isn’t about social media trends. It’s about standing together for something bigger than all of us.
Helping this young girl get justice gives strength to others still trying to heal.”
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also weighed in, saying,
“Seven years ago, the heartbreaking story of little Ochanya devastated me.
I thought the perpetrators were in jail — alas, they were discharged and acquitted.
The family of late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me at the National Assembly.
For our children, I stand for justice for Ochanya.”
Model and influencer Faith Morey said: “Seven years since Ochanya’s death, and the accused still walks free. No child should ever suffer such cruelty and no system should ever fail them. We owe her justice.
Media presenter Jay on Air said: “Things don’t have to hit too close to home before we speak out against them. You cannot abuse a child to the extent it leads to death and you are allowed to walk the streets freely. #JusticeForOchanya.”
It is hoped that despite the delay, justice may eventually run its course in this troubling situation.
