A pastor, identified as Simeon Okehielem, popularly known as “Ebube Wonder” of the Ebube Wonders of Synagogue Prayers Ministry, also called “Healing and Deliverance Mountain,” has been arraigned before an Edo State High Court, Criminal Court 1, over the alleged rape of a married woman which led to the birth of a child.
The suspect, 38, was accused of raping Mrs Isoken Vivian Aigbedo in February 2022 at Uholor Community, Benin City.
The matter was brought before the court following the outcome of a DNA test which reportedly confirmed Okehielem as the biological father of the child born after the incident.
Presiding Judge, Justice Erhabor, ordered the immediate remand of the accused in a Correctional Custodial Centre in Benin City for 14 days, pending legal advice from the Edo State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
According to the state prosecutor, P.O. Odion Esq, the accused is facing a two-count charge of rape and intent to commit felony.
The charges, marked Suit No: BLOD/2323M/2025, state that the offence is contrary to Section 4 and punishable under Section 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Edo State, 2021.
The second charge accuses Okehielem of stupefying the victim by administering a substance to her, an act punishable under Section 256 of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022.
In an interview after the court session, counsel to the victim, Clinton Ogbebor, commended the police for their efforts, stating that the suspect had evaded arrest for months until he was recently apprehended.
He confirmed that a paternity test conducted after the suspect’s arrest showed a 99.9% match between Okehielem and the child, prompting his formal arraignment.
The victim had earlier petitioned the Commissioner of Police, leading to the investigation and eventual arrest of the suspect.
Ogbebor noted that the court had directed the duplication of the case file to the DPP’s office for legal advice as proceedings continue.
