Man who killed Tema Assemblies of God pastor sentenced to life after seven-year trial
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, following a brief jury deliberation after the trial judge, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, summed up the evidence presented over the years.
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After nearly seven years of legal proceedings, a seven-member jury has found 38-year-old Francis Nabegmado guilty of the 2018 murder of Rev. Dr. David Nabegmado, Senior Pastor of the Central Assemblies of God Church in Tema.
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, following a brief jury deliberation after the trial judge, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, summed up the evidence presented over the years. The jurors, having reviewed testimonies from five prosecution witnesses, returned a unanimous guilty verdict.
Gruesome Murder at the Church Premises
The killing took place on December 30, 2018. The convict, a relative of the deceased, fatally stabbed Rev. Dr. Nabegmado within the church premises, accusing him of being a "false preacher" involved in idol worship and human sacrifices—claims that were never substantiated.
During his arrest, items including turpentine, a bottle of Kasapreko gin, and matches were found in his possession, raising further concern about his intentions on the day of the attack.
Plea of Insanity Rejected
Throughout the trial, Francis Nabegmado maintained that he acted under the influence of insanity. However, the court found no merit in his defense. The jury's unanimous decision prompted the judge to impose a life sentence, meaning he will now spend the rest of his life at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Convict Requests to Go Home
Following sentencing, Nabegmado made an unusual request, telling the judge:
“My Lady, I want to see my family, and I want to be taken to Yendi.”
Justice Yanzuh declined the request, stating the court could not make such an order, but the convict insisted, repeating, "I insist."
Church Responds to Verdict
Reacting briefly to the outcome, Rev. Emmanuel Kwesi Ofori, Senior Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church at Tema Community 4, said the church had long awaited this moment of closure. He indicated that the leadership would issue an official statement in the coming days.
