Court Remands Pastor For Allegedly Drugging And Raping Married Woman In Edo

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 the alleged rape of a married woman.

The pastor is also accused of engaging in sexual relationships with several married women in his congregation.

The alleged incident occurred in 2022 in the Uholor community of Benin City, where he reportedly drugged and raped the woman—an act that later resulted in the birth of a child.

A recent DNA test allegedly confirmed the pastor as the biological father, prompting the police to rearrest and formally arraign him.

State prosecutor P.O. Odion informed the court that the alleged offense occurred in February 2022.

Pastor Simeon Okehielem was arraigned on a two-count charge of rape and administering a stupefying substance with intent to commit a felony.

The prosecutor stated that the charges are punishable under Sections 4 and 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law, 2021, as well as Section 256 of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022.

He urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

Presiding Judge Justice Erhabor granted the request, ordering the defendant’s remand for 14 days while awaiting the DPP’s recommendation.