Nigerian pastor and televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently acquitted of rape charges, has been rearrested in South Africa for immigration-related offences.
Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, was freed last month after spending nine years in custody. He had been on trial for allegedly raping and sexually assaulting several young women from his church.
His acquittal sparked widespread outrage in South Africa, with many criticising the court’s decision. The judge acknowledged that Omotoso’s defence was unconvincing but ruled that the prosecution had mishandled the case.
On Saturday morning, South African police and immigration officers arrested the 66-year-old pastor in East London, shortly after a church service.
Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that Omotoso is facing charges for breaking immigration laws and will appear in court on Monday.
Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 and charged with 32 offences, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Several victims, some of them minors at the time, testified that he had targeted them and later prayed for forgiveness after abusing them.
Last month, Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman said the state failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Omotoso and his two co-accused being acquitted.
South Africa continues to struggle with high rates of sexual violence. Police data shows over 42,500 rapes were reported between 2023 and 2024, averaging more than 116 cases per day.
