Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced Desmond Eke, a pastor, to eight years in prison for raping a church member’s wife.
Eke, who leads Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, was found guilty of exploiting a woman who trusted him deeply.
Eke faced three charges related to raping the victim, a fellow church member, and administering a numbing substance that left her dizzy and weak. According to the prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, Eke assaulted the woman while she was in a disoriented state, and she regained consciousness to find him still assaulting her.
Emuka stated that when questioned, Eke claimed his semen was “holy” and capable of delivering her from a marine spirit.
Justice Nzeukwu ruled Eke guilty of breaching trust and raping the woman but acquitted him on a charge related to inflicting injuries, noting that the woman’s lack of consciousness prevented resistance and, consequently, injuries.
Before the sentencing, the defense counsel asked for leniency, highlighting Eke’s good behavior and consistent court appearances without skipping bail. They suggested probation instead of a full prison term.
PUNCH Metro noted that this is the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State. The civil society organization Onurube reported and followed through on the case. Marjorie Ezihe, Onurube’s convener, praised the conviction, expressing hope that it would deter others from committing similar acts.
