Journalist and family member of the late 13-year-old rape victim, Ochanya Ogbanje, John Ameh, has revealed that his family is now considering a civil lawsuit against those convicted in connection with her death, after seven years of what he described as “a shameful contradiction of justice.”
Speaking on ARISE News on Friday, Ameh — a journalist with Premium Times — accused the Benue State Government and the Nigeria Police Force of failing to apprehend Victor Ogbuja, the main suspect in Ochanya’s rape and death, who has remained at large since 2018.
“It is shocking that the same issue before two courts produced two different outcomes. 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,” Ameh said.
He lamented that despite public outcry, the suspect continues to live freely in Lagos, alleging official 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 — those with power and political connections,” he stated.
Ameh further alleged that Mr. Ogbuja, a lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, has strong ties with Senator Abba Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, suggesting that such connections have enabled his evasion of justice — though the senator has publicly denied any involvement.
Recounting the family’s seven-year struggle for justice, Ameh disclosed that it was the family, not law enforcement, who tracked and re-arrested the suspects after their initial release in 2018.
“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. Every step to bring them to justice has been our personal effort,” he said.
He added that the family has faced threats and harassment for pursuing the case.
“We have been threatened repeatedly. 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 revealed.
Calling on the authorities to act decisively, Ameh urged Nigerians to sustain public pressure through the #JusticeForOchanya campaign until all suspects are brought to justice.
“The police must declare Victor Ogbuja wanted and launch a manhunt. We cannot have a rapist and pedophile roaming free after causing unspeakable trauma to a child,” he said.
While clarifying that the family cannot appeal the acquittal directly since it is a state criminal matter, Ameh said they are considering civil action against the convicted parties.
“We wrote to the Benue State Government to appeal the judgment, but they did nothing. However, we may pursue civil action for damages since the conviction of Mrs. Ogbuja has been upheld by the Court of Appeal,” he explained.
Ameh concluded that the unresolved case remains a stain on Nigeria’s justice system and a test of the country’s commitment to protecting vulnerable children.
“Until those who abused Ochanya are brought to justice, the Nigerian state remains complicit in her death,” he said.
Boluwatife Enome
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