Rivers Pastor Remanded In Court For Defiling 8 Years Old Girl
A Magistrate court sitting in Port Harcourt the Rivers State
Capital has remanded a pastor and self-acclaimed human rights activist Jude Ohanenye in a
correctional center for allegedly defiling a minor.
Ohanenye who is a bonafide member of Behind
Bars, a human rights group was arraigned on Wednesday on two counts bordering on
defilement and sexual abuse which he pleaded not guilty.
Information gathered revealed that the
incident occurred on March 16, 2022, in the Eliozu area of PH city.
The
charge read, “That you, Jude Ohanenye, on the 16th day of March 2022, at
Eliozu, Port Harcourt, in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District, did
unlawfully and sexually abused a girl of 8 years old by touching her vagina,
thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 32 (1) (2) of the Child
Right Act, Cap. 50 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2003.
READ
ALSO – KANO STATE POLICE BANS TASHE TRADITIONAL RAMADAN FESTIVAL
“That
you Jude Ohanenye on the same date and place in the aforesaid magisterial
district did defile a girl of 8 years old by inserting your finger into her
vagina, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 32 (1) (2) of
the Child Right Act, Cap. 50 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2003.”
Behind
Bars Director-General, Harrison Gwamnishu, who had earlier confirmed the
incident in a statement on Facebook, said the group acted promptly after
receiving a complaint against the pastor and member.
"A member of our team
Pastor Jude was charged to court for child sexual assault on an 8-year-old
minor in Portharcourt, Rivers State," Gwamnishu stated.
"The victim narrated how
Pastor Jude carried her on his lap and fingered her. We received the
complaint and quickly ordered his arrest. He was arrested and handed over to
the Police for a thorough and unbiased investigation.
"Medical report proved the
child's vagina was ruptured but hymen still intact. The police concluded their
investigation and he has been charged to a competent court of jurisdiction.
"As an organization in
forefront of Advocacy to end all forms of social vices, we will never hide our no
matter the pressure.
"Pastor Jude has been remanded
in prison custody and the case adjourned till 21st April 2022 for a hearing.
"We wish to appreciate the
Nigeria Police for refusing to grant bail despite the pressure from some highly
placed individuals. We appeal to parents to be watchful as anyone pedophile is
nearby.
Want your friends to read
this too? Kindly Share On Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
