Nigerian Pastor Omotoso Deported from South Africa

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, has been deported from South Africa for multiple serious charges, surrounding rape.

According to a report by a local Media, Omotoso was deported from South Africa on Sunday, his departure comes just days after state prosecutors announced plans to appeal the ruling and reopen the case.

Last month, Omotoso was found not guilty on 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, following eight years in detention. The outcome sparked widespread outrage across South Africa, particularly after the judge attributed the acquittal to prosecutorial mishandling.

The 66-year-old pastor was seen at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses while speaking with an immigration officer, according to footage aired by state broadcaster SABC and Newsroom Afrika. Although the exact time of his departure was not disclosed, a transport ministry official told AFP that Omotoso was not required to seek clearance to leave the country.

Earlier this month, Omotoso had been rearrested on immigration-related charges. However, a magistrates court ordered his release, ruling that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without being formally charged.

This week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its intention to appeal the rape acquittal. “The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the agency stated, also vowing to investigate the team responsible for handling the original case.

Omotoso is the leader of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, headquartered in Durban on South Africa’s eastern coast. According to South African authorities, the church also maintains branches in Nigeria and Israel.

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