Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has convicted and sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years imprisonment for the rape of a church member’s wife.
Eke, who founded the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, was found guilty of exploiting the trust placed in him by the victim.
Eke faced three charges related to the rape and the administration of a stupefying substance on the victim, which left her dizzy and weak.
According to prosecution counsel Chioma Emuka, it was during this impaired state that Eke sexually assaulted the woman.
“On inquiry on why he had to violate her, the pastor told the 25-year-old woman that his semen is holy enough to deliver her of the marine spirit that was disturbing her,” Emuka stated.
Justice Nzeukwu, in delivering the judgment, found Eke guilty on count two of the charges, which involved breaching trust and raping the victim. However, the judge acquitted Eke on the third count, which concerned inflicting physical injuries during the rape.
Justice Nzeukwu noted, “Since the woman was not completely conscious during the incident, there was no way injuries could result since there was no resistance.”
During sentencing, the defense counsel requested leniency, highlighting that Eke had consistently attended court throughout the trial and had not jumped bail. The defense argued for probation instead of a full prison sentence.
In response, Justice Nzeukwu sentenced Eke to eight years imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of the crime and the breach of trust involved.