In a landmark case, Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court, Nigeria has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison for raping a church member’s wife. Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, was found guilty of breaching trust and sexually assaulting a 25-year-old woman who was a member of his congregation.
The court proceedings revealed that Eke was tried on three counts, including rape and administering a stupefying substance to his victim. Prosecution counsel Chioma Emuka detailed how the pastor took advantage of the woman while she was in a dizzy state induced by the substance. When confronted, Eke allegedly claimed his semen had spiritual properties to deliver the woman from a “marine spirit.”
Justice Nzeukwu convicted Eke on the second count of breaching trust and rape but discharged him on the third count related to inflicting injuries during the assault. The judge noted, “Since the woman was not completely conscious during the incident, there was no way injuries could result since there was no resistance.”
This case marks the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State, signaling a potential shift in how such crimes are addressed in the region. The civil society organization Onurube played a crucial role in reporting and following up on the case to its conclusion.
Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, praised the court’s decision, expressing hope that the conviction would serve as a deterrent to others contemplating similar acts. She emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights and ensuring consent in sexual encounters.
Despite pleas from the defense counsel for leniency and probation, citing the pastor’s good behavior during the trial, the court proceeded with the eight-year sentence. This ruling underscores the judiciary’s stance on sexual offenses, particularly those involving abuse of trust and authority.
Source: Lindaikejisblog/punchng.com
