An Anambra State High Court sitting in the Ogidi Judicial Division has sentenced James Onuorah, a former choir master, to 25 years in prison for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. Presiding Judge, Justice Chudi Nwankwo, also handed down a seven-year sentence for offensive conduct, with both terms to run concurrently.
The conviction follows a disturbing case of abuse of spiritual authority. Onuorah, who served at Iba Pope Parish in Awada, had convinced the victim’s mother that her children were afflicted by “marine spirits and spiritual husbands” requiring urgent intervention. Under the guise of providing “deliverance,” the defendant lured the teenager to his residence for prayer sessions.
According to court records, Onuorah exploited this position of trust to coerce the victim into sexual acts, falsely claiming that intercourse was necessary to remove a “spiritual husband” causing health complications. The abuse resulted in the victim becoming pregnant and delivering a baby in April 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Nwankwo highlighted that the prosecution had successfully proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, noting that the victim’s testimony was consistent and corroborated by medical evidence regarding the pregnancy. Beyond the custodial sentence, the court ordered Onuorah to pay ₦5 million in compensation to the victim.
The court acquitted the defendant on a third count regarding alleged indecent assault against the victim’s elder sister, citing a lack of formal report or complaint regarding the 2014 incident.
This judgment marks a significant development in the state’s ongoing efforts to prosecute sexual violence under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State.
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