Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso, recently cleared of multiple rape and sexual assault charges after a nine-year legal battle, has been detained again by South African authorities – this time for immigration offenses. The 66-year-old founder of Jesus Dominion International church was arrested Saturday morning in East London shortly after conducting a church service, according to police commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
Omotoso’s new legal troubles come just weeks after his shocking acquittal in April, when a high court judge ruled prosecutors failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt despite disturbing testimony from several young female congregants. His release had sparked nationwide outrage in a country grappling with epidemic levels of gender-based violence, where over 42,500 rapes were reported last year alone.
During the marathon trial that began in 2017, multiple victims described how the televangelist allegedly handpicked them for sexual exploitation under the guise of spiritual mentorship, with some encounters reportedly followed by prayers for forgiveness. The case had become a lightning rod for South Africa’s crisis of violence against women, making Omotoso’s acquittal particularly devastating for activists.
While details of the immigration charges remain unclear, legal analysts suggest they could relate to visa violations or unauthorized ministry activities. The pastor is expected to appear in court Monday as authorities pursue this new case against him. For many South Africans who followed the original trial, the arrest represents a bittersweet development – offering at least some measure of accountability for a man they believe escaped justice for far more serious alleged crimes.
The re-arrest has reignited debates about legal system failures in sexual violence cases and the need for judicial reforms in a country where only a fraction of reported rapes result in convictions. As Omotoso prepares to face this new legal challenge, survivors and advocates continue demanding stronger protections for victims and harsher consequences for perpetrators in South Africa’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence.
