After nearly seven years of legal proceedings, Francis Nabegmado, 38, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Rev Dr David Nabegmado, the Senior Pastor of the Central Assemblies of God Church in Tema.
The tragic incident occurred on December 30, 2018, when Francis, a relative of the deceased, fatally stabbed the pastor at the church premises. The case finally concluded on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, with a unanimous guilty verdict delivered by a seven-member jury, following a comprehensive summing up by Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh.
According to reports, the jury’s decision was based on evidence presented by five prosecution witnesses and the overall weight of the trial proceedings.
Throughout the trial, Francis attempted to plead insanity, claiming he was mentally unstable at the time of the attack. He alleged that Rev Dr Nabegmado was a false preacher involved in idol worship and human sacrifices.
However, the court rejected the insanity defense, finding him criminally responsible for his actions.
Following the verdict, Francis asked the court to allow him to visit his family in Yendi, saying, “My Lady, I want to see my family, and I want to be taken to Yendi.” Justice Yanzuh declined the request, prompting him to respond, “I insist.”
Francis will serve his life sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
Reacting to the verdict, Rev Emmanuel Kwesi Ofori, the current Senior Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church in Tema Community 4, welcomed the outcome, noting that the church had waited for justice for nearly seven years.
“This brings a sense of closure to a painful chapter in our church’s history,” he said.
