An Edo State High Court has ordered the remand of 38-year-old Pastor Simeon Okehielem of the Synagogue Prayers Ministry in a correctional facility over allegations of rape and sexual misconduct involving multiple married women in his congregation.
The accused was arraigned on Wednesday on a two-count charge of rape and administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony. According to the state prosecutor, P.O. Odion, the alleged offenses occurred in February 2022 in the Uholor community of Benin City.
The prosecution told the court that Pastor Okehielem allegedly drugged and raped a married woman, resulting in the birth of a child. A recent DNA test reportedly confirmed the pastor as the biological father of the child, prompting his re-arrest and formal arraignment.
The offenses, the prosecutor said, are contrary to and punishable under Section 4 and Section 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Edo State, 2021, as well as Section 256 of the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.
The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Presiding Judge, Justice Erhabor, granted the request and ordered that Pastor Okehielem be remanded in custody for 14 days, pending the DPP’s legal advice.
