The convict administered a stupefying substance on his victim which made her dizzy and weak before raping her.
According to the prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, it was while in the dizzy state that Eke took advantage of the woman who woke up to consciousness while he was still inside her.
Emuka said, “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.”
While delivering the judgment, Justice T. N . Nzeukwu said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt as such the court found Eke guilty of two of the three offences preferred against him.
The judge convicted Eke on count two of the charge of breaching trust and raping the woman but discharged him on the third count which bordered on inflicting injuries during rape.
“Since the woman was not completely conscious during the incident, there was no way injuries could result since there was no resistance,“ Justice Nzeukwu held.
Before the sentence, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, arguing that his client had been of good behaviour having been present in court throughout the trial without jumping bail.
He pleaded that instead of a full sentence, his client should be put on probation.
This is the first case to be prosecuted under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act in the state.
A civil society organisation, Onurube, reported the matter and followed it up to its logical end.
Speaking on the case, the convener of Onurube, Marjorie Ezihe, lauded the court for convicting the pastor.
She believed the conviction would serve as a deterrent to those intending to indulge in the inhuman act of having carnal knowledge of women without their consent.
