The accused, who is a member of the human rights group Behind Bars, was charged in a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The self-proclaimed preacher was charged with two counts of sexual abuse and defilement, both of which he denied.
Harrison Gwamnishu, Director-General of Behind Bars, confirmed the incident on his Facebook page, providing insight into the case.
He said that Ohanenye committed the heinous offense at the Eliozu area of Port Harcourt on March 16, 2022.
Gwamnishu said the legal team acted promptly after receiving a complaint against the pastor and member.
He wrote: “A member of our team Pastor Jude was charged to court for child sexual assault on an 8-year-old minor in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.
“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.”
According to him, a medical check carried out on the victim proved that the child’s vagina was ruptured but her hymen was still intact.
Gwamnishu said the police command has concluded their investigation and Pastor Ohanenye has been charged to a competent court of jurisdiction.
The human rights activist said: “As an organization in forefront of Advocacy to end all forms of social vices, we will never hide our own 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 paedophile is nearby,” Gwamnishu noted.
The charge against Ohanenye reads: “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.
“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.”
