BY FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR/BENIN
A Benin based-Pastor identified as Simon Okehielem, popularly known as Ebube Wonder, has been arraigned before an Edo State High Court over allegations of raping a married woman and fathering a child through the act.
The case, brought forward by the Edo State Police Command, followed a DNA test that confirmed that the cleric had a biological link to the child despite his earlier denial.
The case, which dates back to March 2024, began in the Ugolor community of Edo State, where Pastor Simeon Okehielem allegedly raped a married woman, which resulted in the conception of a child.
According to the Counsel to the complainant, Barr. Collins Ogbebor, the victim petitioned the Commissioner of Police, prompting an investigation and despite initial difficulties in locating the suspect, Pastor Simeon was recently apprehended after months of evading arrest.
Following his arrest, a DNA test was ordered, and the result showed a 99.9pecent paternity match between the child and the accused.
This critical evidence prompted his re-arrest and subsequent arraignment before the Edo State High Court, Criminal Division.
During the court proceedings, the Presiding judge, Justice Erhabor, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Benin Correctional facility pending further action.
The court also directed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
On his part, Counsel to Defendant, Barr. Samson Okeheilem, who disagreed on the arraignment calling it injustice, said the fundamental rights application filed to put the police on notice and restrain them was on course, noting that the police hurriedly took his client to court just to embarrass, humiliate him and call him a fake pastor.
