An Imo State High Court, led by Justice T.N. Nzeukwu, has sentenced Pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison for raping the wife of one of his church members. Pastor Eke, founder of the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, Owerri West LGA, was found guilty of exploiting the woman’s trust.

Pastor Eke was tried on three counts: raping the woman, administering a stupefying substance that rendered her dizzy and weak, and inflicting injuries during the rape. According to prosecution counsel Chioma Emuka, the pastor took advantage of the woman while she was in a dazed state, and the woman regained consciousness to find him still assaulting her. The pastor reportedly told the 25-year-old victim that his semen was holy and would deliver her from a “marine spirit” troubling her.

Justice Nzeukwu convicted Pastor Eke on two counts: breach of trust and rape. However, the court acquitted him on the charge of inflicting injuries, reasoning that since the woman was not fully conscious, there was no resistance, and therefore no physical injuries could be substantiated.

Defense counsel Ohaka, representing Nwaneri of Dauda Chambers, requested probation instead of a full prison sentence, highlighting the pastor’s good behavior during the trial.

This case marks the first prosecution under the Violent Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act in Imo State. The civil society organization Onurube, which reported and followed the case, praised the court’s decision.

Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, commended the conviction, stating that it would serve as a deterrent to those considering similar inhumane acts.