The pastor convict Week 34, 2016

I was surprised there were so many surgical cases to be attended to in the prisons. I had become involved in a free medical outreach to Kuje prisons at the Federal Capital Territory and was challenged by the volumes to be done. Part of the challenge was that some people wanted to alter the order of patients for surgery. Specifically the alteration involved a pastor who was a prisoner. There was a strong attempt to get him to be treated preferentially ahead of others; but his was not an emergency. I insisted on the order of surgeries. Surgical lists are not made on VIP basis. My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory Jas 2:1 (ESV).

I was amazed a pastor was in prison and felt sure he was one of these new age preachers and said so to those with me. Sure enough when I met him he was not from an orthodox church. He was quite ebullient and spoke well. What was his offence? Attempted murder. He had conspired to kill his sister-in-law as part of a ritual to get more power and anointing! They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: Jer 19:5(KJV).  Somehow his wife had come to hear about the plan to kill her sister. The pastor had paid killers to eliminate her. Money had been transferred from his account to theirs but they could not carry out the dastardly deed. Instead it leaked to his wife who involved the police. If he was ready to kill her own sister then she was not safe either. The intended victim was taken out of the way and it was made to look as though she had died, and an inquiry to the “death” was made. The hired killers were willing to cooperate provided they would not be put in jail as well. With that promise given they opened up and confessed, and revealed their sponsor. The evidence of the money transfers from his account to theirs was overwhelming. In the face of it all the pastor confessed. It was indeed true. Why on earth would a pastor claiming to preach Jesus want to be involved in satanic rituals to gain more power? What message would he be giving to his congregation? The priests did not say, 'Where is the LORD?' Those who handle the law did not know me; the shepherds transgressed against me; the prophets prophesied by Baal and went after things that do not profit. Therefore I still contend with you, declares the LORD, and with your children's children I will contend.” Jer 2:8-9(ESV) 

During the trial a witness protection programme was organised and the pastor was convicted and put to jail in Kuje prisons; an example for all to avoid. But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the LORD, and be sure your sin will find you out Num 32:23(ESV). I sincerely hope he has learnt his lesson.

Dr Asemota is on the board of ICMDA and lives in Kwali FCT