The Anambra State High Court 2, Ogidi Judicial Division, has convicted and sentenced one James Onuorah to 25 years’ imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl and seven years’ imprisonment for offensive conduct.
The court, presided over by Justice Chudi Nwankwo, found the defendant guilty on two of the three counts brought against him.
According to Charge No. HID/4C/2025, made available to journalists in Awka , the judgment was delivered on Friday, July 17, in the case between the State and James Mary Onuorah.
The defendant was arraigned on a three-count of, “Rape contrary to and punishable under Section 3(1) (a) & (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition and Protection) Law of Anambra State, 2017. “Offensive conduct contrary to and punishable under Section 7 of the same Law. “Indecent assault (against the victim’s elder sister) punishable under Section 255 of the Criminal Code Cap. 36, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.”
According to the charge sheet, the prosecution, led by M.C. Ikeabunze, with Nkiru Nzekwu, presented a case alleging abuse of trust.
The charge sheet read, “The defendant, a choir master and church teacher at Iba Pope Parish, Awada, deceived the mother of the victim that all her daughters were possessed by ‘marine spirits and spiritual husbands’ and needed deliverance at his home.
“Relying on this, the mother allowed her daughters to attend prayer sessions at the defendant’s residence at No. 8 Amanafor Street, Awada. “Exploiting this position of spiritual authority, the defendant lured the 16-year-old victim to his altar.
He ordered her to strip naked, claiming it was ‘the direction of the Holy Spirit’. “He went further to collect her menstrual blood and ovulation discharge.
He then had sexual intercourse with her, claiming that a ‘spiritual husband’ had caused fibroids in her womb and that the only cure was sex with him. “As a result, the victim became pregnant and delivered a baby in April 2026. Her hospital discharge receipt was tendered and admitted in evidence.”