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Ochanya: Court remands wife of lecturer accused of raping 13-year-old girl to death
BY: Sandra Ani
The Federal High Court in Makurdi has remanded, Mrs Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja, the wife of the lecturer accused of raping Ochanya Ogbanje in Benue State.
The trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, remanded Mrs Ogbuja at the Makurdi Prison for negligence over the alleged rape and death of the 13-year-old victim by her husband and son, Mr Andrew Ogbuja and Victor Ogbuja.
Ochanya died in October 2018 due to complications arising from the alleged sexual molestation she suffered at the hands of Ogbuja and his son.
Mr Ogbuja is a senior lecturer at the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, while Victor, who is at large, is a final year student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.
Mrs Ogbuja was arraigned by the Federal Government through the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on two counts.
Count one read, “That you, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja (Female) 43 years of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State, sometime between 2014 and 2018, in Ugbokolo, Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did omit to take action against the sexual exploitation of one Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje (Female) 13 years by your husband, Andrew Ogbuja and your son, Victor Ogbuja, thereby committing an offence contrary to section 13 (4) (b) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
The second count also read, “That you, Felicia Ochiga-Ogbuja (Female) 43 years of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Benue State, sometime between 2014 and 2018, in Ugbokolo, Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did keep, detain or harbour one Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje (Female) 13 years, knowing that she is likely to be sexually exploited by your husband, Andrew Ogbuja and your son, Victor Ogbuja, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 15 (b) of the Trafficking in Persons Prohibition Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
Mrs Ogbuja, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read to her.
The prosecuting counsel, Mr Swanta Bossan, urged the court to remand her in prison pending the commencement of her trial.
But the defence counsel, Mr David Ojile, prayed the court to admit his client to bail.
He argued that the offences for which she was being tried were bailable and drew the court’s attention to his client’s bail application dated and filed on April 5, 2019.
After listening to the submissions of counsel in the suit, Justice Olajuwon remanded Mrs Ogbuja in prison custody pending when she meets her N6 million bail bond.
She said, “The defendant is admitted to bail in the sum of N2 million with sureties in like sum. The sureties must be civil servants not less than grade-level 12.
“They must own properties within the jurisdiction of this court. The sureties must submit letters of introduction from their Head of Department to the Court Registrar.”
The judge also ordered the sureties to submit the Certificates of Occupancy of their properties, which must be verified by the Court Registrar.
She, thereafter, adjourned the case till May 10 for trial.
The news of Ochanya’s death in October 2018 sparked widespread outrage and demonstrations across the country, with calls from human rights activists for the arrest and prosecution of Mr Ogbuja and his son.
Although Mr Ogbuja has been remanded at the Makurdi prison, Victor is reportedly still at large.
•Source: Channels TV report
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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