Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison for raping a woman who was a member of his church. Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, was convicted for betraying the trust of the victim and taking advantage of her.
The pastor was tried on three charges, including raping the victim and administering a substance that left her dizzy and weak, which allowed him to exploit her. According to the prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, the woman regained consciousness during the assault and found Eke violating her. When questioned, Eke claimed that his semen was “holy” and would deliver her from a marine spirit.
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In his ruling, Justice Nzeukwu found Eke guilty of breaching trust and raping the woman, but acquitted him on the charge of inflicting injuries during the assault, noting that the victim’s lack of full consciousness prevented her from resisting, which might have caused injuries.
Before sentencing, Eke’s defense counsel requested leniency, arguing that his client had shown good behavior throughout the trial and should be placed on probation rather than receiving a full sentence.
This case marks the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State. The civil society organization Onurube, which reported and pursued
the case, praised the court’s decision. Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, commended the conviction, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to others who might consider committing such heinous acts against women.
