A High Court in Owerri, Imo State, has sentenced Apostle Desmond Eke, the founder of the Deliverance Ministry of The Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, to eight years in prison for raping the wife of one of his church members.
The conviction was handed down by Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu on July 31, 2024, in Suit No. HOW/32C/2022; State vs. Pastor Desmond Eke.
The prosecution, led by Mrs. Chioma Emuka, successfully proved the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Eke was accused of raping a 25-year-old mother of four under the pretense of delivering her from a marine spirit that he claimed threatened to destroy her family.
According to court proceedings, Eke administered a substance disguised as holy water and anointing oil, which rendered the victim unconscious.
SEE ALSO: Nigerian Idol S9 Top 3 Revealed: Judges Picks and Standout Performances
She awoke to find herself being assaulted by the pastor. When she resisted, Eke allegedly told her that having sex was a necessary part of the deliverance process, claiming that his “holy semen,” upon ejaculation, would free her from the control of her spirit husband and marine spirit.
During the trial, defense counsel Ohaka, representing Nwanerei of Dauda Chambers, argued for a lighter sentence, noting that Eke had shown good behavior by attending all court sessions without absconding. Ohaka requested that Eke be placed on probation rather than receive a full prison sentence.
In his judgment, Justice Nzeukwu found Eke guilty of breaching trust and rape but discharged him on a third count related to inflicting injuries during the assault, stating that the victim was not fully conscious at the time and therefore could not have resisted or sustained injuries.
The case was initially reported to the police by the civil society organization Onurube Foundation, which pursued the matter despite facing threats and pressure. Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, praised the court’s decision, stating that the conviction would serve as a deterrent to others.
Eke was tried under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of Imo State, marking the first successful conviction under this law.