Crime

Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years for Raping Church Member’s Wife in Imo

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 8th, 2024.

Pastor Sentenced to Eight Years for Raping Church Member’s Wife in Imo

Desmond Eke, a pastor and founder of the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court. Eke was convicted for the rape of a woman who was a member of his congregation.

The charges against Eke included rape and administering a drug to the victim that left her disoriented and weak. According to Chioma Emuka, the prosecution counsel, Eke took advantage of the woman while she was incapacitated. The woman reportedly regained consciousness while Eke was still assaulting her.

Emuka stated that when questioned about his actions, Eke claimed that his semen was sacred and could deliver the woman from a supposed marine spirit afflicting her.

Justice Nzeukwu found Eke guilty of breaching trust and raping the woman but acquitted him of the charge related to inflicting injuries, citing that the victim’s lack of full awareness during the incident meant no physical resistance or injury occurred.

The defense had requested leniency, noting Eke’s good conduct throughout the trial and asking for probation instead of imprisonment. However, the court upheld the eight-year sentence.

This case marks the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State, with the civil society organization Onurube playing a key role in bringing the matter to justice.

Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, commended the court’s decision, expressing hope that the conviction would deter others from committing similar acts of sexual violence.