Journalist and family member of the late 13-year-old rape victim, Ochanya Ogbanje, John Ameh, says his family is considering a civil lawsuit against those convicted in connection with her death after seven years of seeking justice.
Mr Ameh, a journalist with Premium Times, spoke on ARISE News and Channels Television on Friday, accusing the Benue State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of failing to apprehend Victor Ogbuja, the main suspect in the rape and death of Ochanya, who has been on the run since 2018.
He said the family’s experience exposed gaps in Nigeria’s justice system, noting that two courts gave conflicting judgements on the case.
“The State High Court acquitted and discharged Andrew Ogbuja, while the Federal High Court convicted his wife on the same facts. That demonstrates the government’s failure to hold criminals responsible,” he said.
Ameh alleged that despite public outcry, the police had not declared Victor wanted, even though he was said to be living in Lagos.
He accused authorities of negligence and political protection.
“The police claim they don’t know where he is, but Nigerians have found him living freely in Lagos. It shows that in this country, some people are above the law,” he said.
Ameh also alleged that Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, has close ties with Senate Minority Leader Abba Moro, which he said may have contributed to his evasion of justice.
The senator has publicly denied any involvement.
He recounted that after Ochanya’s death in 2018, it was the family, not law enforcement, who tracked and re-arrested the suspects following their release.
“When Ochanya was alive and the case broke, Mr. Ogbuja was briefly remanded but released without a sitting. We, the family, led the police to re-arrest him and also worked with NAPTIP to arrest his wife,” Ameh said.
He disclosed that the family had faced threats and harassment for pursuing the case.
“I was attacked in court in 2019 by a relative of Mrs. Ogbuja. Witnesses have been intimidated not to testify. Yet we continue to fight for justice for Ochanya,” he added.
Ameh called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to intervene in ensuring that Victor is arrested and prosecuted.
“If the Inspector General of Police, the First Lady, and the President are really in charge of this country, they must find these people and bring them to justice,” he said.
He said the family continues to live under threat and that the lack of police response to their complaints has worsened their situation.
Ameh explained that while the family cannot appeal the acquittal because it is a state criminal case, they are considering civil action for damages since the conviction of Mrs. Ogbuja was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“We wrote to the Benue State Government to appeal the judgment, but they did nothing. However, we may pursue civil action for damages,” he said.
He added that the unresolved case represents a failure of the justice system to protect vulnerable children.
“Until those who abused Ochanya are brought to justice, the Nigerian state remains complicit in her death,” Ameh said.
Ochanya died on October 17, 2018, at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, from complications linked to prolonged sexual abuse.
Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo and his son Victor, were accused of repeatedly raping her.
The Benue State High Court acquitted Andrew in 2022, citing insufficient evidence, while the Federal High Court sentenced his wife, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, to five months in prison for negligence.
