After nearly seven years of legal proceedings, a jury on Wednesday, May 14, found 38-year-old Francis Nabegmado guilty of the 2018 murder of Rev. Dr. David Nabegmado, the Senior Pastor of the Central Assemblies of God Church in Tema.
Francis, a relative of the slain pastor, fatally stabbed him on December 30, 2018, accusing the revered clergyman of being a false prophet involved in idol worship and human sacrifices.
At the time of his arrest, authorities found turpentine, Kasapreko gin, and matches in his possession, suggesting a potentially premeditated act.
Following a brief deliberation, the seven-member jury unanimously convicted Francis. Presiding judge Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, after summing up evidence from five prosecution witnesses, handed down a life sentence.
Despite claiming insanity throughout the trial, Francis’s defense failed to sway the court.
When asked if he had anything to say post-verdict, Francis requested to see his family and be relocated to Yendi, a plea the judge declined.
He will serve his sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Reacting to the verdict, Rev. Emmanuel Kwesi Ofori of the Assemblies of God Church in Tema Community 4 said the church had long awaited justice and would release an official statement in the coming days.
