On August 7, 2024, the Imo State High Court delivered a landmark ruling in a case of sexual violence, convicting Desmond Eke, a pastor and founder of the Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, to eight years in prison for the rape of a church member’s wife. The case marks a significant moment in the enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in the state.
Justice T. N. Nzeukwu presided over the trial, during which Eke was found guilty of three counts related to the grave offenses against the victim, who had placed her trust in him as her spiritual leader. The prosecution, led by counsel Chioma Emuka, presented compelling evidence that Eke had exploited this trust to commit the crime.
The incident occurred when the victim, a 25-year-old woman, was allegedly administered a stupefying substance that left her feeling dizzy and weak. In this vulnerable state, Eke took advantage of her, leading to the assault. According to Emuka, the victim regained consciousness to find Eke still in the act. When questioned about his actions, Eke reportedly claimed that his semen had “holy” qualities capable of delivering her from a supposed marine spirit that was troubling her.
In delivering the judgment, Justice Nzeukwu confirmed Eke’s guilt regarding the second count of breaching trust and committing rape. However, the court discharged him from the third count related to inflicting injuries during the assault. The judge reasoned that since the victim was not fully conscious during the incident, it was unlikely that any physical resistance or injuries had occurred.
Prior to sentencing, Eke’s defense counsel appealed to the court for leniency, highlighting the pastor’s good behavior throughout the trial and his consistent presence in court without evading justice. The counsel suggested that instead of a full prison sentence, Eke should be placed on probation, arguing that he had shown remorse and had been a model defendant.
This case is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first prosecution under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in Imo State. Following the conviction, civil society organization Onurube, which brought the case to light, expressed its satisfaction with the court’s decision. Marjorie Ezihe, the convener of Onurube, commended the ruling as a pivotal step toward holding perpetrators of sexual violence accountable and as a deterrent to others who might consider committing similar acts.
The case has sparked discussions on the broader implications of sexual violence and the need for continued enforcement of laws designed to protect individuals from such heinous crimes. Ezihe emphasized that the conviction sends a strong message about the importance of consent and the serious consequences of violating that consent.
As the community processes the implications of this ruling, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against sexual violence, the importance of legal recourse for victims, and the necessity for faith-based institutions to uphold ethical standards in their leadership roles.
