Pastor Desmond Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, Owerri West LGA, Imo State, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for raping the wife of a church member.
The verdict was delivered by Justice T.N. Nzeukwu at the Imo State High Court, following Eke’s conviction for exploiting the woman’s trust.
Eke faced a three-count charge, including raping a church member and administering a stupefying substance to incapacitate her.
According to the prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, the woman was in a dizzy state when Pastor Eke took advantage of her. She regained consciousness to find him still assaulting her. When questioned about his actions, Eke claimed his semen was holy and could exorcise the marine spirit allegedly troubling her.
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Justice Nzeukwu convicted Eke on charges of breaching trust and rape but acquitted him on the count of inflicting injuries during the assault, reasoning that the woman’s lack of full consciousness prevented resistance and resulting injuries.
Before the sentencing, defense counsel Ohaka, representing Nwaneri of Dauda Chambers, argued for probation, highlighting Eke’s good behavior and compliance with court proceedings throughout the trial. However, the court imposed a full sentence.
This case marks the first prosecution under the Violent Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Imo State. The civil society organization Onurube, which reported the matter, expressed satisfaction with the conviction.
Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, commended the court’s decision, hoping it would deter others from committing similar inhumane acts against women.
