A Benue State High Court has officially reopened the case of late Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, reigniting one of Nigeria’s most heartbreaking legal battles surrounding child abuse and justice. Ochanya, a 13-year-old student of the Federal Government Girls College, Gboko, died in 2018 following alleged prolonged sexual assault that led to severe health complications.

Her death sparked a wave of outrage across the country and gave rise to the #JusticeForOchanya movement, which pushed for accountability and legal reforms to protect minors.

According to court documents and reports confirmed by the Benue State Ministry of Justice, the latest decision to reopen the case follows fresh applications filed by prosecutors citing new grounds and renewed evidence. This move, they said, is intended to ensure that all parties involved are held accountable and that the case receives a complete judicial review.

Renewed Hope for Justice

The main suspect, Mr. Andrew Ogbuja, a senior lecturer at Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, was previously tried for rape and manslaughter charges but was acquitted in 2022 due to what the court cited as insufficient evidence. His son, Victor Ogbuja, who was also accused in the case, remains at large.

Advocates and civil-rights groups, including the Women Against Violence and Exploitation (WAVE) network, have welcomed the court’s decision. They believe that reopening the Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje case could pave the way for stronger accountability in sexual-violence prosecutions.

“This case is not just about Ochanya; it represents every child whose voice has been silenced by abuse,” said a spokesperson from the coalition in Makurdi. “We are hopeful that the renewed process will lead to justice, not just closure.”

Sources close to the family revealed that Ochanya’s relatives were informed of the new court development and expressed cautious optimism, describing the decision as a “long-awaited step in the right direction.”

Legal experts have also commended the reopening, noting that it underscores a growing commitment by Nigeria’s judiciary to revisit cases involving minors and gender-based violence. The hearing is expected to resume in the coming weeks, with new testimonies and documents to be presented.

For many Nigerians, the development symbolizes a chance to right a painful wrong and strengthen the nation’s trust in its justice system. The name Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje continues to stand as a symbol of courage and a reminder of the urgent need to protect children across the country.