Justice T.N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison for raping a member’s wife. Eke, founder of the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, was convicted of exploiting a woman who had placed significant trust in him.
Eke faced charges on three counts: raping the victim, who was also a church member, and administering a stupefying substance that made her dizzy and weak. According to prosecution counsel Chioma Emuka, Eke raped the woman while she was in a dizzy state. She regained consciousness during the assault and confronted Eke, who claimed that his semen was “holy enough to deliver her from the marine spirit troubling her.”
Justice Nzeukwu found Eke guilty of breaching trust and raping the woman but acquitted him on the charge of inflicting injuries during the assault, reasoning that since the victim was not fully conscious, there was no resistance and thus no injuries.
Before sentencing, Eke’s defense counsel pleaded for leniency, citing his good behavior throughout the trial and suggesting probation instead of a full prison sentence.
This case marks the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State. The civil society organization Onurube reported the incident and ensured it reached a conclusive end. Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, praised the court for the conviction, hoping it would deter others from committing such inhumane acts.
Ezihe lauded the court’s decision, emphasizing that the conviction serves as a deterrent to those intending to violate women.
