Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Deported from South Africa After Acquittal in High-Profile R@pe Case

In a dramatic culmination to one of South Africa’s most closely followed legal sagas, popular Nigerian televangelist and founder of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), Pastor Timothy Omotoso, has been deported from South Africa. The controversial religious leader, who had been at the center of a high-profile legal case involving charges of r@pe, racketeering, and human trafficking, was officially removed from the country on Sunday, May 11, 2025, following a court acquittal and a subsequent decision by immigration authorities.

Background: The Rise of Omotoso and the Charges That Followed

Timothy Omotoso, 66, rose to prominence as a charismatic preacher and television personality in South Africa. As the founder of the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network (ADBN) and author of several Christian self-help books including How to Enjoy Health and Wealth and Longevity, he built a large following across Southern Africa. His ministry, Jesus Dominion International, was headquartered in Durban and quickly gained attention for its energetic worship services and faith healing claims.

However, behind the pulpit, serious allegations were mounting.

In April 2017, Omotoso was arrested by South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, the Hawks, at Port Elizabeth International Airport. The arrest was carried out with dramatic flair, caught on camera, and broadcasted widely. It shocked his followers and stirred the nation. The charges he faced were grave—r@pe, human trafficking, and racketeering, among others. Omotoso was accused of grooming young women from his church for sexual exploitation under the guise of spiritual mentorship.

A Trial That Gripped the Nation

The case quickly became a lightning rod for public discourse in South Africa. As a country grappling with one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, the accusations against Omotoso struck a deep nerve. The Eastern Cape High Court allowed proceedings to be televised—marking the first time in South African history that a high-profile r@pe trial was broadcasted live.

Over the years, the trial faced numerous delays due to legal technicalities, multiple appeals, and defense motions. Witness testimonies—especially those of young women who claimed they were sexually abused while under Omotoso’s care—drew national attention and sympathy. One particularly chilling testimony came in 2018 when a witness claimed Omotoso r@ped her when she was just 14 years old.

Despite the testimonies and public outcry, the prosecution struggled to present a consistent and comprehensive case. Legal experts criticized the handling of the trial, citing missed opportunities, poor cross-examinations, and procedural missteps that hampered justice.

Acquittal and Release

After nearly eight years of legal back-and-forth, the Eastern Cape High Court delivered its verdict on April 2, 2025. Omotoso, along with his co-accused Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, was acquitted of all 32 charges. The court ruled that the prosecution had committed significant procedural errors that invalidated the case.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a statement acknowledging that the earlier prosecutorial team had mismanaged key aspects of the case. It admitted that these failings contributed to the prolonged duration of the trial and undermined the ability of the state to secure a conviction.

Though his release was celebrated by some of his supporters, it was met with dismay by many South Africans who had followed the trial closely and sympathized with the alleged victims. Civil rights organizations raised concerns about the message the acquittal sent to survivors of sexual abuse, emphasizing the need for prosecutorial reform and victim support.

Deportation and Five-Year Ban

Omotoso’s freedom in South Africa, however, was short-lived.

Barely a week after his acquittal, on May 10, 2025, South African immigration officers re-arrested the pastor in East London. According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Omotoso agreed to a voluntary deportation deal and was escorted under police supervision from Durban to Johannesburg.

Clad in a grey hoodie, dark sunglasses, and black track pants, Omotoso was visibly subdued as he was led through O.R. Tambo International Airport’s international departures terminal. He boarded a flight back to Lagos, Nigeria, at 3:10 p.m. and was expected to arrive by 8:30 p.m. that same evening.

South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs later confirmed that Omotoso would not be allowed to re-enter the country for at least five years. Officials stated that this was in line with immigration policy concerning foreign nationals who have been the subject of prolonged criminal proceedings, regardless of the outcome.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate

The story of Timothy Omotoso has ignited a range of emotions across both South Africa and Nigeria. In South Africa, the acquittal has sparked renewed conversations about judicial inefficiencies and the challenges of prosecuting sexual violence, especially when the accused wields power, influence, and resources.

Many South Africans took to social media to express outrage at the verdict, arguing that it underscored a justice system that often fails victims. Others pointed out the need for improved training for prosecutors handling sensitive cases and called for more stringent measures to protect witnesses and survivors.

In Nigeria, reactions have been mixed. Some members of the religious community welcomed Omotoso back as a wrongly accused man who had endured public humiliation for nearly a decade. Others have expressed skepticism and caution, urging Nigerian authorities to keep a close watch on his activities and any allegations that may arise.

Legal and Social Implications

Legal analysts are already dissecting the implications of Omotoso’s acquittal and deportation. Some have suggested that the trial exposed the limits of South Africa’s current legal framework in dealing with complex criminal cases involving multiple victims and high-profile defendants.

In particular, the live broadcasting of the trial has sparked debate. While some argue that it ensured transparency and public engagement, others say it may have pressured witnesses and turned a serious court proceeding into a media circus.

There are also questions about what the future holds for Omotoso. Will he attempt to rebuild his ministry in Nigeria? Will the allegations continue to follow him? Can a man who faced such grave accusations ever regain public trust?

Conclusion

The saga of Pastor Timothy Omotoso is far from over. Though acquitted in court and now back in Nigeria, the cloud of controversy still hangs over him. For the victims who came forward, the trial may not have delivered the justice they hoped for. For the South African legal system, the case is a wake-up call—a signal that reform is needed, especially in how sexual crimes are prosecuted.

At its core, this case is a reflection of society’s struggle to balance due process with the demand for accountability. It has forced two nations—South Africa and Nigeria—to confront uncomfortable questions about faith, power, justice, and the rights of women.

As Omotoso begins a new chapter back in his home country, only time will tell whether he will fade into obscurity or attempt a comeback. Either way, the echoes of this case will be felt for years to come.