Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years imprisonment for raping the wife of one of his church members.
Eke, who leads the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was found guilty of exploiting the woman’s trust. He faced three charges: raping his church member’s wife and administering a drug that rendered her dizzy and weak.
Prosecutor Chioma Emuka explained that Eke assaulted the woman while she was disoriented from the drug. When questioned about his actions, Eke claimed that his semen was “holy enough” to deliver her from a marine spirit causing her distress.
Justice Nzeukwu ruled that Eke was guilty of breach of trust and rape, as per the second charge. However, he was acquitted of the third charge related to inflicting physical injuries, as there was no evidence of resistance due to the victim’s state of unconsciousness.
Before sentencing, Eke’s defense attorney requested leniency, arguing that his client had demonstrated good behavior by attending all court proceedings and requesting probation rather than a full prison term.
This case marks the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in the state. Civil society organization Onurube reported and monitored the case until its conclusion.
Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, commended the court’s decision and expressed hope that the conviction would deter others from engaging in similar criminal behavior.
