HomePoliticsPoliticsImo Cleric Jailed For 8 Years Over Rape Of Congregant's Wife

Imo Cleric Jailed For 8 Years Over Rape Of Congregant’s Wife

Listen to article

A pastor’s sacred vow has turned into a prison sentence, as Desmond Eke was found guilty of raping a female congregant, the wife of a church member, and sentenced to eight years imprisonment by Justice T.N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court

Pastor Desmond Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, Owerri West LGA, Imo State, has been found guilty of a grave betrayal of trust, exploiting the vulnerability of a woman who had placed her faith in him.

Pastor Desmond Eke faced a three-count charge for his heinous crimes, including the rape of a female church member and the administration of a debilitating substance that left his victim disoriented and helpless, a shocking display of predatory behavior.

The prosecution’s case, led by Chioma Emuka, painted a disturbing picture of Pastor Eke’s calculated abuse, as he preyed upon the victim’s weakened state, induced by the stupefying substance, and continued his assault until she regained consciousness.

According to Chioma Emuka, the prosecution counsel, Pastor Eke’s warped justification for violating the woman was that his semen was imbued with divine potency to deliver her from the supposed marine spirit, a disturbing example of spiritual exploitation.

Delivering his Judgement on the matter, Justice Nzeukwu convicted Eke on two count charges of breaching trust and raping the woman but discharged him on the third count which bothered on inflicting injuries during the rape.

 

The Judge reasoned that since the woman was not completely conscious during the incident, there was no way injuries could result since there was no resistance.

Before the sentence, the defence counsel, Barr. Ohaka, standing in for Nwaneri of Dauda chambers, pleaded that his client had been of good behaviour having been present in the court throughout the trial without jumping bail.

Read also: Court Frees Student Being Tried For Multiple Rapes In Anambra

In a last-ditch effort to mitigate the consequences, Pastor Eke’s defense counsel pleaded for a more lenient sentence, requesting that his client be placed on probation rather than serving a full prison term.

The Eastern Updates notes that this prosecution represents a major breakthrough, as it is the first case to be brought under the Violent Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in the state, setting a vital precedent for future cases.

The case was initially reported by Onurube, a civil society organization dedicated to fighting for justice, which pledged to follow it up relentlessly until a logical conclusion was reached, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to accountability.

Reacting to the verdict, Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, praised the court for delivering justice, saying the conviction of the pastor sends a strong message that no one is above the law.

Marjorie Ezihe expressed her hope that the pastor’s conviction would serve as a strong deterrent to others who might consider committing similar heinous crimes, emphasizing that it sends a clear message that non-consensual sexual acts will not be tolerated.

The Eastern Updates 

Most Popular

Recent Comments