A pastor identified as Simon Okehielem, popularly known as Ebube Wonder, has been remanded in custody by an Edo State High Court over the alleged rape of a married woman and the paternity of a child resulting from the incident.
Okehielem, founder of the Ebube Wonders Synagogue Prayers Ministry, was arraigned following an investigation by the Edo State Police Command into the March 2024 assault of Mrs. Isoken Aigbedo Owie in the Ugolor community.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Clinton Ogbebor, the victim filed a petition with the Commissioner of Police, leading to a months-long manhunt before the accused was eventually arrested. A DNA test conducted during the investigation reportedly showed a 99.9% match between the child born to the victim and the accused pastor.
During Thursday’s proceedings at the Criminal Division of the Edo State High Court, presiding judge Justice Erhabor ordered that Okehielem be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre. The judge further directed that the case file be duplicated and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
Speaking after the hearing, Barrister Ogbebor praised the police for what he described as a professional and thorough investigation.
“The DNA results clearly established paternity, and this has brought us to the arraignment stage,” he said. “This case is significant not only in seeking justice for the victim but also in maintaining public confidence in the justice system, especially when religious figures are involved.”
However, the defence counsel, Barrister Samson Okehielem, criticized the arraignment, describing it as premature and unlawful. He revealed that a fundamental rights suit had been filed on behalf of his client, challenging the legality of the arrest.
“They rushed to court in a bid to embarrass my client and label him a fake pastor, without following due process,” he told reporters.
The matter has been adjourned, pending legal advice from the DPP, before the court can proceed with the next phase.
