The spiritual leader, a pastor once seen as a pillar of support, now faces accusations of grave betrayal by raping a member.
Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced pastor Desmond Eke to eight years in prison.
Eke is the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu. He abused the trust placed in him by the woman.
The court found Eke guilty on three counts: raping the victim, who is also a church member, and drugging her.
Prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, explained that Eke took advantage of the woman while she was dizzy and weak.
Emuka stated: “The pastor told the 25-year-old woman that his semen was holy enough to deliver her from a marine spirit”.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Nzeukwu confirmed Eke’s guilt on the charges against him.
The judge convicted Eke of breaching trust and raping the woman, as detailed in count two of the charges.
However, the court acquitted him on the third count, related to inflicting injuries during the assault.
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“Since the woman was not fully conscious, there was no resistance and thus no injuries could result,” Justice Nzeukwu noted.
Before sentencing, the defense counsel requested leniency, emphasising that his client had attended all court sessions without absconding.
He argued for probation instead of a full prison term, citing Eke’s good behaviour throughout the trial.
Marjorie Ezihe, convener of Onurube, praised the court’s decision to convict the pastor.
She hoped the conviction would deter others from committing similar non-consensual sexual acts.