An Edo State High Court has ordered the remand of Pastor Simon Okehielem, also known as Ebube Wonder, over the alleged rape of a married woman and the paternity of a child resulting from the assault.
The case, filed by the Edo State Police Command, stems from a reported incident in March 2024 in Ugolor community, where Okehielem, founder of Ebube Wonders Synagogue Prayers Ministry, is accused of raping Mrs. Isoken Aigbedo Owie, a housewife.
According to the complainant’s counsel, Barrister Clinton Ogbebor, a petition to the Commissioner of Police led to a protracted investigation. Pastor Okehielem allegedly evaded arrest for months, but was eventually apprehended by law enforcement.
A DNA test conducted during the investigation showed a 99.9% match between Pastor Okehielem and the child born to the victim, significantly strengthening the prosecution’s case.
During Thursday’s arraignment at the Criminal Division of the Edo State High Court, Justice Erhabor ordered the remand of the accused at the Benin Correctional Centre. The court further directed that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal review and advice.
“The DNA results clearly established paternity, and this has brought us to the arraignment stage,” said Barrister Ogbebor, commending the police for their professional conduct.
He stressed the broader implications of the case:
“This matter is not only about justice for the victim, but also about reinforcing public trust in the legal process, especially when religious figures are involved.”
However, the defense counsel, Barrister Samson Okehielem, criticized the court proceedings, describing them as premature. He claimed the arrest was unlawful, stating that a fundamental rights application had already been filed.
“They rushed to court to humiliate and paint him as a fake pastor without following due process,” he said.
The case is awaiting legal advice from the DPP before it proceeds further.
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