Uja Emmanuel in Makurdi, reviews the ongoing outcry and trial of Andrew Ogbuja, a lecturer with Benue Polytechnic, Ugboko, who together with his son, Victor allegedly sexually assaulted 13-year-old, leading to her death
IF those who sexually molested Miss Ochanya Ogbanje to her grave had imagined the national condemnation that the death of the poor pupil of Federal Government Girls College would generate, she probably would be alive today.
It started like a fiction story three months ago.
A lecturer with Benue Polytechnic, Ugboko, Andrew Ogbuja, with his son, Victor, a student of the University of Agricultural, Makurdi (UAM), for five years, sexually abused Miss Ogbanje, who was trusted in his care.
Since she was 8 years, both father (Andrew) and son (victor) started having sex with her until age 13, when she suddenly fell ill to a disease later diagnosed as Vesico-vaginal fistula (VVW).
Doctors confirmed that there had been forced penetration in both her private part and anus.
The lecturer was first charged to court for rape but granted bail before he was rearrested by the police when the victim died.
Since Ogbanje’s death, there have been series of massive protests by various civil society groups calling for justice for the victim.
From Abuja to Lagos, Makurdi to Otukpo and Gboko in Benue State, the clamour has been resounding.
The Nation gathered that Andrew Ogbuja is a Knight in a Catholic church in Ugbokolo and it was his wife (Aunt to the victim) who convinced Ochanya’s parents to allow her live with Andrew, to get better education.
The National Council of Women Society (NCWS), Federal of International Women Lawyers, Civil Society Organisation, women and youth activists, including human right activists have mounted massive campaigns that led to the re-arrest of the suspect Andrew Ogbuja, who was initially elusive.
The charges have been equally amended from rape to criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, following the victim’s death.
Son of the principal suspect, Victor, who joined in the abuse Ochanya, is said to be on the run and the police have mounted a manhunt for him.
Thursday’s arraignment of Ogbuja at Chief Magistrate Court 1in Makurdi, witnessed massive protests by various groups and individuals.
Placards carrying protesters stormed the court as earlier as 8am and waited patiently for the arrival of the suspect.
The protesters marched round the court premises and chanted solidarity songs, calling for justice in favour of Late Miss Ogbanje.
Taking Ogbuja through the irate crowd after the magistrate ordered that he be remanded in Makurdi prison was a hectic time for police and prisons officials, as they mouthed all sorts of unprintable names.
Road to Prison
When the case came up, the First Information Report (FIR), read to the accused showed that the case was reported by Evangelist Enuwa Soo through letter of petition to the Benue State Police Command.
According to the FIR, the late thirteen year old Elizabeth Ochanya had stated that Mr Andrew Ogbuja and his son, Victor have been having unlawful carnal knowledge of her since she was living with them which resulted in her being diagnosed with VVF and other related diseases. She was taken for treatment but died last week.
Counsel to the Accused, Anthony Onoja said he has no objection to the remand of his Client.
The Presiding Magistrate, Isaac Ajim, stated that no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction and ordered that the accused, Andrew Ogbuja be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Makurdi till the 29th of next month for further mention.
Speaking with newsmen after the court sitting, President, National Council of Women Society, Benue State chapter, Mrs Grace Okochi said that Benue women are in pains for what happened to late Ochanya and pleaded that justice be served.