Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of The Good Shepherd in Umuihita Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, was convicted by Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu on July 31, 2024.
In Suit No HOW/32C/2022, State vs Pastor Desmond Eke, Hon. Nzeukwu convicted the accused after the prosecution, led by Mrs. Chioma Emuka, proved his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The convict was accused of raping a 25-year-old mother of four under the pretense of delivering her from a marine spirit he claimed was threatening her family.
According to the prosecution, Pastor Eke administered a substance on the victim, claiming it was holy water and anointing oil, which had a soporific effect. She woke up to find herself being raped by the pastor.
When she resisted, Eke told her that sex was a necessary part of the deliverance, claiming his holy sperm would destroy the spirit husband and marine spirit afflicting her.
The defense counsel, Ohaka, representing Nwanerei of Dauda Chambers, pleaded for leniency, noting that his client had been of good behavior and had not jumped bail throughout the trial. Ohaka requested probation instead of a full sentence.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Nzeukwu convicted Pastor Eke on two counts of breaching trust and raping the woman but discharged him on the third count of inflicting injuries during the rape, stating that the victim was not fully conscious and therefore could not have resisted.
The case was reported to the police by a civil society organization, Onurube Foundation, which persisted despite pressure and threats until judgment was delivered.
Reacting to the verdict, the convener of Onurube, Marjorie Ezihe, praised the court for the conviction, stating it would serve as a deterrent to others.
The convict was tried under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of Imo State, marking the first successful conviction under this law.
