The founder of the Christian Praying Assembly, Pastor Chukwuemeka Ezeugu, is still in charge of his congregation after over 14 years in prison, awaiting execution, EWN reports.
Rev King, as fondly called by his disciples, was arraigned at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja on September 26, 2006, on six counts of murder of a member of his church, Ann Uzoh, and the attempted murder of five other members. The cleric was said to have poured petrol on the deceased, five others and set them ablaze on July 22, 2006, for allegedly committing fornication. Uzoh was said to have died on August 2, 2006 from the injuries she sustained from the burns. In a judgement delivered on January 11, 2007, the then trial judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole, convicted King and sentenced him to 20 years imprisonment on each of the five counts and a death sentence for murder. The controversial cleric lost after appealing his sentence upto the supreme court.
Reports said the congregation still honours and takes directives from the imprisoned general-overseer.
Here below is part of the benediction read in King’s church, last Sunday, as reported by The Punch Newspapers , Nigeria’s newspaper;
“Thou shall get to your destination in peace. The Lord God Almighty – the God of our G. O., His Eminence, the Most Honourable, Dr Rev King – shall always deliver you…. May the Holy Ghost of the Almighty God, which is above all things, be with you all, lead you through all your success, protect you all, guide you all in all your going out and your coming in, give you peace, joy, love, understanding, greatness, fruitfulness, endowment of blessings now and always, through Jesus Christ of Nazareth our Lord and saviour. Amen! The Lord be with all. Go in peace, I love you all.’’
