Protests for Justice: A Call to End Child Sexual Abuse in Nigeria
Child rights advocates and civil society groups recently took to the streets of Lagos, storming the State House of Assembly complex to demand justice for the late Ochanya Ogbanje and other victims of sexual abuse across the country. The protests were fueled by the unresolved rape case of 13-year-old Ochanya Ogbanje, who died in 2018 due to complications from prolonged sexual abuse.
Celebrities have joined the chorus of voices demanding justice, amplifying the call for the arrest of those allegedly involved in Ochanya’s case. Social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok became arenas for public outrage, with the hashtag #JusticeForOchanya trending as thousands shared messages demanding accountability.
The seventh anniversary of Ochanya’s death on October 17, 2025, marked a pivotal moment in this movement. Public reactions on X highlighted the growing momentum behind the campaign, with users expressing their anger and sorrow over the lack of justice for the young girl.
Marches and Demands for Accountability
Demonstrators marched from the Ikeja Under Bridge to the Assembly complex, carrying placards that read, “Justice for Ochanya,” “Stop Child Molestation,” and “Protect Our Children, Punish Paedophiles.” These slogans reflected the collective frustration of a community that has long felt neglected in the face of child abuse.
Aderonke Oyelakin, the Lagos State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, spoke during the protest. The group, an initiative of UNICEF and the Bimbo Odukoya Foundation, emphasized the need for authorities to take cases of child abuse seriously.
Oyelakin stated, “We are here because we cannot keep silent while children continue to suffer in the hands of abusers. Ochanya is no longer alive, but there are other children out there going through the same horror, and some parents tell them to keep quiet until they die. We are asking which child is next?”
She added, “If there are paedophiles among us, they must be fished out. It is painful that perpetrators of sexual violence walk freely while survivors are left with emotional scars that last a lifetime.”
Oyelakin urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other relevant authorities to reopen and thoroughly prosecute the case of the late Ochanya. She emphasized that the call for justice goes beyond Ochanya’s case.
“We are seeking justice for every child, male or female, whose case is on the table of the police, the ministry, or the courts. Do not treat these cases with levity. If someone is found guilty, they must be punished according to the law,” she said.
Voices from the Arts and Activism
Actress and humanitarian Sunshine Rossman also participated in the protest, lending her voice to the fight against the sexual abuse of minors. As the coordinator of the She Foundation, she called on the government to incorporate sex education into school curricula and encourage open communication between parents and children about inappropriate touching.
Rossman explained, “I am here today for Ochanya and for all the young girls and boys who are constantly being molested. Many of these perpetrators are people we know, our relatives, friends, and neighbours, yet we cover up for them.”
She added, “Nigerians must learn to speak up even when it doesn’t affect them directly. Tomorrow, it could be your daughter or your sister. We must raise our voices and demand action. Many children don’t even know what rape means or how to identify abuse. We must break this cycle by teaching them early and raising our children better.”
Sustaining the Movement
The protesters vowed to continue their advocacy until justice is served and stronger protection systems for children are put in place nationwide. The Benue State Government recently announced that it had ordered a reopening of the case, following mounting pressure from civil society groups and renewed nationwide calls for justice.
The protest was part of a broader movement demanding accountability for Ochanya’s death and justice for all victims of child sexual abuse in Nigeria.