Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has pledged to take up the case of the late 13-year-old rape victim, Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje, vowing to ensure justice is served seven years after her tragic death.

The Senator’s commitment comes amid renewed public outrage following reports that the primary suspects in the case, Andrew Ogbuja and his son Victor, have been sighted in Lagos after being discharged by the court.

Ochanya died in 2018 after developing Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a debilitating condition linked to years of repeated sexual assault. The victim was allegedly raped from the age of 8 by Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, and his son, Victor.

In a statement released on her social media page on Thursday, Senator Natasha expressed her shock upon learning that the suspects were no longer in custody.

“7 years ago the heart wrenching story of little Ochanya devastated me. I thought the perpetrators were in jail. Alas, they were discharged and acquitted,” the Senator wrote.

Calling for immediate action, Senator Natasha directly appealed to the family of the deceased to formally petition her office, providing a clear path for legislative follow-up.

“The family of the late Ochanya Ogbanje should write a petition to me… For our children, I stand for Justice for Ochanya,” she stated, providing her office address in the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The case of Ochanya had initially triggered nationwide protests under the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya, with citizens demanding accountability for the crime. Her death and the recent resurfacing of the suspects have reignited public anger, putting the spotlight back on the Nigerian justice system’s handling of sexual violence cases.