Key points
- Senator asks Ochanya’s relatives to file a fresh petition. She says acquitted suspects must face justice again.
- She recalls being moved by the girl’s story in 2018. She thought all accused persons were already in prison.
- Family can address petition to her Senate office in Abuja. She promises to push the case through committees.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has revived the call for justice over the death of Benue schoolgirl, Ochanya Ogbanje.
She said the girl’s family should send her a formal petition so she can reopen the matter at the National Assembly.
In a post shared seven years after the case first shocked the country, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was “devastated” to learn that the people earlier linked to Ochanya’s abuse were later discharged and acquitted.
She added that she had wrongly assumed they were in prison all this while. Her latest move follows her recent push on rights issues at the Senate, including a public face-off with the leadership over procedure. Akpoti-Uduaghan questions Senate over abortion debate
Why the petition matters
According to her, a fresh petition from the victim’s family will help her table the case properly before the right committee.
She explained that the petition should be addressed to her Senate office, Room 205, Senate Wing, and must clearly state what the family wants done now.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also hinted she would use her position to get updates from justice and security agencies once the petition is on her desk.
The senator said she felt a duty to act because the girl’s story “never left” her since it first surfaced online. She stressed that, if the court process failed to protect a minor who was repeatedly assaulted, lawmakers must at least review what went wrong.
She has recently been visible in the chamber and in public, showing readiness to take up citizen-led issues. Natasha Akpoti kneels to thank husband after Senate return
Background on Ochanya’s case
Ochanya Ogbanje, a young girl from Benue, died after years of alleged sexual and domestic abuse in a guardian’s home.
Her story sparked a major online campaign under the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya, with rights groups demanding strong punishment.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said the outcome that freed the accused persons was a “letdown” to everyone who fought for the girl.
She noted that the family is still the strongest voice in the matter, so their fresh letter will help the Senate reopen conversations with the police, the Ministry of Justice, and any state authority previously involved.
The lawmaker urged civil society groups that once backed the campaign to rally again so the girl’s memory does not fade
