Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported from South Africa After Acquittal in High-Profile Trial

Timothy Omotoso, a 66-year-old Nigerian televangelist and senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International, has been deported from South Africa following his acquittal on a string of serious criminal charges. He was seen departing from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, reportedly en route to Nigeria. Videos circulating online showed Omotoso dressed in a grey hoodie and sunglasses, speaking with immigration officials before boarding his flight.

Omotoso, whose ministry is based in Durban, South Africa, had been at the center of a protracted and controversial legal battle that captivated national attention for years. In April, he was acquitted of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The case, which dragged on for nearly eight years, stemmed from allegations made by several young women who claimed they were lured into his home in Umhlanga, a coastal suburb of Durban, under the guise of spiritual mentorship, only to be sexually abused.

Judge Irma Schoeman, who presided over the trial, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In a strongly worded judgment, Schoeman criticized the state’s handling of the case, particularly its failure to conduct a robust cross-examination of the accused. “It was as if cross-examination never even took place,” the judge remarked in court. Her decision sparked outrage across South Africa, with women’s rights activists and civil society organizations accusing the justice system of failing survivors of sexual abuse.

Despite his acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested shortly afterward by immigration authorities. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed that he had been detained for allegedly violating immigration laws. Specific details of the alleged violations remain undisclosed, but sources within the department suggested that his residency status had come under scrutiny long before the conclusion of his trial.

Omotoso is also the founder of Tim Omotoso Global Outreach and the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network, both of which have extensive reach within African Pentecostal circles. His ministry, often marked by elaborate televised sermons and miracle crusades, had come under fire in recent years as accusations of misconduct mounted.

His deportation marks the end of a long and turbulent chapter in South Africa’s legal and religious landscape, though questions remain about how the justice system handled such a high-profile and sensitive case. Advocacy groups continue to call for a review of judicial processes in cases involving gender-based violence, arguing that the Omotoso case may deter victims from coming forward in the future.

As Omotoso returns to Nigeria, it remains to be seen whether he will attempt to revive his public ministry or face further legal scrutiny in his home country. For now, his departure has reignited conversations about justice, accountability, and the influence of powerful religious leaders.