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Seven years after the horrific death of 13-year-old Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, the case that exposed the brutal underbelly of child sexual abuse in Nigeria is back in the headlines—and this time, the spotlight is on a fugitive living large in Lagos. Social media activist Ukan Kurugh dropped a bombshell on Facebook, alleging that Victor Ogbuja, the prime suspect who vanished after being declared wanted by police, is not only alive and free but has reinvented himself as a recording artist in Lagos—complete with a record label deal.
Ochanya, a JSS1 student at Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, Benue State, died on October 17, 2018, from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) and other complications caused by five years of alleged serial rape by Victor Ogbuja and his father, Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic. The abuse reportedly began when Ochanya was just eight years old and living under the care of her aunt, Felicia Ogbuja—Victor’s mother.
In a twist that still fuels public fury, Andrew Ogbuja was acquitted by a Benue State High Court in Makurdi on April 28, 2022, citing “lack of evidence.” On the same day, Felicia Ogbuja, tried separately by NAPTIP at the Federal High Court, received a five-month sentence for negligence—served concurrently and effectively meaning she walked free almost immediately. Victor, meanwhile, fled. Despite being declared wanted, he was never arrested, never tried, and, according to police statements at the time, “could not be located.”
Now, Kurugh’s viral post claims Victor is thriving in Lagos, “waxing musically strong” while an arrest warrant for murder and rape hangs over his head. “A fugitive flexing,” Kurugh wrote, highlighting what many see as a glaring failure of Nigeria’s justice system. Andrew Ogbuja, meanwhile, quietly resumed his lecturing job at BenPoly Ugbokolo—despite multiple allegations of sexual misconduct from former students.
The renewed outrage isn’t happening in isolation. It follows a separate campaign led by activist Mama Pee, whose emotional Facebook appeal—calling for the case to be reopened and tagging Benue State authorities—has gone viral on TikTok and beyond. Mama Pee claims Ochanya’s family continues to face threats from the “influential Ogbuja family,” who allegedly want the truth “buried forever” through connections, intimidation, and influence.
Both posts have struck a nerve. #JusticeForOchanva is trending nationwide, with users demanding answers: How can a wanted fugitive sign record deals in plain sight? Why was the main accused acquitted on technicalities while the victim’s family mourns in silence? And why has no one in power moved to correct this injustice in seven years?
Child rights groups in Benue are mobilizing. A protest is planned for November 5 outside the Ministry of Justice in Makurdi. Online petitions have surged past 30,000 signatures. Ochanya’s mother, Mrs. Rose Ogbanje, spoke through tears in a recent radio interview: “They took my child. They took her voice. Now they live free. Where is God? Where is justice?”
As of now, the Benue State Government, Police Command, and NAPTIP have issued no response to the allegations about Victor’s whereabouts or calls to reopen the case. But pressure is mounting. Activists argue this isn’t just about one girl—it’s about whether Nigeria’s laws protect the powerful or the powerless.
Seven years. One dead child. One fugitive making music. One father back at work. One mother still waiting.
The question remains: Will anyone in authority finally act—or will #JusticeForOchanva become just another hashtag that fades into silence?
If you have information on Victor Ogbuja’s location, contact Benue State Police Command or NAPTIP anonymously.
