The family of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 following repeated sexual assaults, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun over the police’s alleged refusal to arrest Victor Ogbuja, son of a Benue State Polytechnic lecturer, accused of repeatedly raping her.

The petition, dated November 3, 2025 and submitted through human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, was received at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on November 4. It describes police inaction as a “grievous act of injustice” and warns that it sets a dangerous precedent that emboldens sexual predators.

According to the petition:

• Victor allegedly fled Ugbokolo, Benue State, seven years ago and remains at large, reportedly in Lagos.
• Both Victor and his father, Andrew Ogbuja, were implicated in the abuse; Andrew was previously acquitted, while Mrs. Felicia Ogbuja was convicted for neglecting Ochanya’s welfare.
• Ochanya suffered severe medical complications due to repeated assaults, confirmed by Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

The family is requesting the IGP to:

1. Declare Victor Ogbuja wanted and launch a manhunt for his arrest.
2. Recall the case file to Force Headquarters for renewed investigation.
3. Provide police protection to Ochanya’s surviving relatives due to threats from the Ogbuja family.

The petition argues that the police’s inaction portrays Nigeria as a country where the rights of vulnerable citizens are ignored when powerful or politically connected individuals are involved. Certified court judgments were attached as supporting evidence.

The family emphasizes that the Nigeria Police has an opportunity to restore public confidence and assert itself as a credible law enforcement institution by ensuring justice for Ochanya.