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Preacher to hang for sin burnings | Preacher to hang for sin burnings |
(30 minutes later) | |
A Nigerian high court has sentenced a Lagos preacher to death by hanging for setting fire to members of his congregation, killing one woman. | A Nigerian high court has sentenced a Lagos preacher to death by hanging for setting fire to members of his congregation, killing one woman. |
Emeka Ezeuko, better known as Reverend King, was found guilty on one count of murder and five of attempted murder. | Emeka Ezeuko, better known as Reverend King, was found guilty on one count of murder and five of attempted murder. |
In July last year, he accused six members of his Christian Praying Assembly church of sinning by having extra-marital sex. | In July last year, he accused six members of his Christian Praying Assembly church of sinning by having extra-marital sex. |
He poured petrol over them before setting them alight. | |
Ann Uzor died in hospital from her burns. | Ann Uzor died in hospital from her burns. |
Rev King allegedly told members of his congregation that he was Jesus Christ, a claim that gave him the powers to punish sin. | Rev King allegedly told members of his congregation that he was Jesus Christ, a claim that gave him the powers to punish sin. |
The BBC's Umar Shehu Elleman who was in court said Rev King began to shiver when the sentence was passed and then started to shout angry protestations. | The BBC's Umar Shehu Elleman who was in court said Rev King began to shiver when the sentence was passed and then started to shout angry protestations. |
He claimed he was innocent and accused people of plotting against him. | He claimed he was innocent and accused people of plotting against him. |
His lawyer said it was a sad moment and an appeal would be considered after they had read the judgement papers in detail. | His lawyer said it was a sad moment and an appeal would be considered after they had read the judgement papers in detail. |
Our correspondent says there was a heavy security presence around the courtroom and congregation supporters were not allowed in. | Our correspondent says there was a heavy security presence around the courtroom and congregation supporters were not allowed in. |