The Senate has taken fresh steps to revisit the case of the late 13-year-old Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan laid a petition before the upper chamber calling for a full investigation into the matter.
The petition, written by human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Ochanya’s death, which was reportedly caused by complications from infections sustained as a result of prolonged sexual abuse.
Presenting the petition, Senator Natasha recalled that Ochanya had suffered years of assault while living with her guardians, leading to the medical condition that eventually caused her death in 2018. She noted that despite public outrage and calls for justice, the case was dismissed by a High Court, and the state government failed to appeal the ruling.
According to her, the dismissal of the matter without exhausting all legal steps, including an appeal, left many unanswered questions and cast doubt on the commitment of authorities to ensure justice for victims of child abuse.
In his response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue and stressed that the Senate would not overlook such matters, especially where there are no existing legal impediments to reopening the case. Akpabio assured that the petition would receive due attention in the interest of justice and child protection.
He subsequently referred the petition to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions for further investigation and recommendations.
Ochanya’s story shocked the country when it became public in 2018. She had been sent to live with her aunt’s family in Benue State for schooling, but was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse over several years by her guardian’s husband and his son. The abuse reportedly led to severe medical complications, including infections which resulted in her death.
Her death ignited public protests and widespread calls for accountability, culminating in advocacy movements and renewed demands for reforms in the handling of sexual abuse cases involving minors. Many human rights groups and family members continued to insist that justice was not served.
With the Senate now officially involved, the petition will undergo legislative scrutiny as the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions begins its investigation into the circumstances of the case and the reasons for the earlier court dismissal.
The Senate’s move has renewed hope that the matter may receive fresh attention after years of setbacks and controversy.
About Author
