The convict, Francis Nabegmado is a relative of the deceased Rev Dr David Nabegmado

A 38-year-old man, Francis Nabegmado, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Rev Dr David Nabegmado, Senior Pastor of the Central Assemblies of God Church in Tema, who was killed on December 30, 2018.

After nearly seven years of trial, a seven-member jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict on Wednesday, May 14, following an hour-long summing up by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh.

The jury’s decision, according to a report by myjoyonline.com, was informed by statements from five prosecution witnesses and the trial proceedings.

Francis, a relative of the deceased, fatally stabbed Rev Dr Nabegmado, alleging the pastor was a false preacher involved in idol worship and human sacrifices.

Throughout the trial, the convict claimed his actions were driven by insanity, but this defense was rejected by the court.

When given the opportunity to speak after the verdict, Francis requested to be sent to Yendi to see his family, saying, “My Lady, I want to see my family, and I want to be taken to Yendi.”

Justice Yanzuh informed him that such an order could not be granted, to which he is reported to have responded, “I insist.”

Francis will serve his life sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, the report said.

Rev Emmanuel Kwesi Ofori, the current Senior Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church at Tema Community 4, expressed relief at the closure of the case, stating that the church had awaited justice for seven years.

GA/AE