Video: Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso deported from South Africa, barred for five years after rape acquittal
Timothy Omotoso
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa and banned from re-entering the country for five years, following his acquittal on 32 charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Video link:
Omotoso, 66, who heads the Jesus Dominion International church, was acquitted last month after spending eight years in jail.
The judge criticised the prosecution for mishandling the case, leading to widespread public outrage in South Africa.
Despite the acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested on May 10 on charges related to violations of the Immigration Act and declared a prohibited person by the Department of Home Affairs.
He was arrested in East London shortly after a church service and faced court on immigration charges before being released.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that after reconsideration, the Minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso a prohibited person, making him subject to deportation.
Omotoso left South Africa via OR Tambo International Airport on May 18, with authorities emphasising that he is barred from returning for five years.
The Department of Home Affairs stated, “In order to ensure compliance with the laws of the Republic, Omotoso is scheduled to appear in court on charges of contravening provisions of the Immigration Act.
“We remain committed to upholding the rule of law without fear or favour.”
