Court Orders Remand of Benin City Pastor Accused of Drugging, Raping Married Woman in 2022 Incident

 

A 38-year-old pastor identified as Simeon Okehielem, the spiritual leader of the Synagogue Prayers Ministry, has been remanded in a correctional facility following damning allegations of rape and illicit sexual conduct with women in his congregation. The decision came after revelations linked to a 2022 incident involving a married woman from the Uholor community in Benin City, Edo State.

The unfolding drama took a decisive turn after recent DNA testing reportedly confirmed that Pastor Okehielem is the biological father of a child conceived by the married woman. According to case details, the woman alleged that the pastor drugged her before sexually assaulting her, leading to an unwanted pregnancy that resulted in childbirth. While the name of the victim is being withheld for privacy and protection, the allegations have generated shockwaves throughout the local religious community.

Appearing in court for arraignment, the defendant faced a two-count charge brought forward by the state prosecutor, P.O. Odion. The charges include rape and the administration of a stupefying substance with the intention to commit a felony. These charges are rooted in provisions from the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2021, as well as the Criminal Law of Edo State, 2022.

The courtroom was silent as the prosecutor presented the timeline of events, stating that the offense was committed in February 2022. The narrative offered painted a disturbing picture of abuse of spiritual influence, with the pastor allegedly taking advantage of vulnerable women in his congregation. Allegations suggest that Okehielem had engaged in multiple inappropriate relationships with married women under his pastoral care, exploiting their trust and religious devotion.

Despite the defense not entering a plea, the prosecution asked the court to keep the accused in custody pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the offenses and highlighted the need for a thorough review before any bail considerations or further judicial proceedings.

Justice Erhabor, who presided over the session, granted the request. The judge ordered that Pastor Simeon Okehielem be remanded in a correctional center for a period of 14 days. This temporary holding is meant to allow the DPP adequate time to examine the case and provide necessary legal guidance on how to proceed.

Outside the court, public reaction was swift and emotional. Many residents of Benin City expressed disbelief and anger, especially those familiar with the pastor’s public image as a spiritual guide. Some members of his congregation, shocked by the emerging details, declined to speak to the press. Others suggested they had harbored concerns about his conduct but had been too afraid to voice them due to his influence within the church.

Legal experts following the case noted that if convicted, Pastor Okehielem could face significant prison time under both state and national laws. Section 4 and Section 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law prescribe severe penalties for rape and related crimes, especially when aggravated by abuse of authority and the use of substances to incapacitate victims.

The case has also reignited wider conversations around the abuse of spiritual authority and the need for accountability among religious leaders. Several advocacy groups have called for stricter regulation of religious institutions and more robust mechanisms to protect congregants, particularly women, from exploitation.

As the case progresses, the spotlight remains on the criminal justice system in Edo State to handle the matter with transparency and diligence. Legal proceedings are expected to resume following the DPP’s advice, at which point the court will determine the next phase in what many are calling one of the most disturbing abuse scandals involving a clergyman in recent memory.

For now, Pastor Okehielem awaits his fate behind bars, facing a mounting legal battle and the collapse of his public persona as a spiritual leader.