Pastor defiles female Church member during deliverance sentenced to jail
An Imo State High Court, under Justice T.N. Nzeukwu, has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison for raping a female church member.
Eke, who leads the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, Owerri West LGA, was convicted for exploiting the trust placed in him by the victim.
Pastor Eke faced charges on three counts: raping the woman, administering a drug that caused her to feel dizzy and weak, and inflicting injury during the assault.
According to the prosecution, represented by Chioma Emuka, Eke raped the victim while she was incapacitated, and claimed his semen had a divine power to expel a supposed marine spirit troubling her.
Justice Nzeukwu found Eke guilty on two counts: breaching trust and rape, but acquitted him of the charge related to inflicting physical injury, reasoning that the victim’s lack of awareness during the assault meant there was no resistance or injury.
During sentencing, Eke’s defense attorney, Ohaka from Dauda Chambers, argued for a probationary sentence instead of incarceration, highlighting Eke’s good behavior throughout the trial.
This case is notable as the first prosecuted under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Imo State.
The civil society group Onurube, which reported and tracked the case, praised the court’s decision.
Onurube’s convener, Marjorie Ezihe, expressed hope that the conviction would deter others from committing similar offenses.
