Controversial Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Arrested at “New Dawn” Crusade in East London, South Africa

Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso smiles after the verdict was passed at the Gqeberha High Court on April 02, 2025 in Gqeberha, South Africa. It is reported that the Nigerian televangelist and two co accused were acquitted of over 30 charges, including rape, human trafficking and racketeering

Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso was arrested early Saturday morning during his widely publicized “New Dawn” crusade in East London, just one month after being acquitted of serious sexual assault and human trafficking charges. The arrest occurred at 5 a.m. at the Jesus Dominion International Church on Commissioner Street, the venue for the crusade that began on May 4 and was due to conclude on Sunday.

The high-profile arrest was carried out by members of the South African Police Service, including elite units such as the National Intervention Unit and the Tactical Response Team, alongside officials from the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Inspectorate. National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest, though police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe stated that the specific charges remain unclear and the authorities are awaiting further clarification from Home Affairs.

Omotoso, who spent seven years in prison awaiting trial, was released last month after Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the prosecution had failed to adequately support its case due to poor cross-examination and lack of corroborative evidence. Despite being declared a prohibited person by the Department of Home Affairs during his incarceration, Omotoso walked free when Home Affairs officials arrived too late to detain him at the court.

Following his release, Omotoso launched the "New Dawn" revival campaign, which attracted hundreds of followers. The Jesus Dominion International Church hosted the event after the executive mayor of Buffalo City, Princess Faku, blocked access to the public Orient Theatre. Social media was flooded this week with images of packed gatherings, and some supporters even publicly invited President Cyril Ramaphosa to attend.

The Department of Home Affairs has remained largely silent on why Omotoso was not detained earlier, despite at least eight official requests since April 22. However, on Saturday at noon, the department issued a statement confirming that Minister Leon Schreiber had rejected Omotoso’s attempt to overturn his prohibited status. The ministry stated that this rejection now paves the way for his deportation and confirmed that Omotoso will appear in court in East London on Monday.

Christian of South Africa (COSA) issued a strongly worded statement following the arrest, condemning it as “politically charged persecution” and an “attack on religious freedom.” They claimed that Omotoso presided over a "spiritually electrifying vigil" on Friday night and alleged that his immigration documents were in order, citing cooperation with the Nigerian Consulate.

“This so-called immigration-related arrest is nothing short of a politically charged persecution, an attack on religious freedom, and a flagrant abuse of state power,” COSA said. “This arrest is not about documentation. It is about silencing a prophetic voice. Reverend Omotoso is being targeted not for what he has done but for what he represents – a rising tide of spiritual authority that threatens the status quo.”

Omotoso’s arrest has reignited debate over religious freedom, immigration enforcement, and the credibility of the justice system. The case remains under review by the National Prosecuting Authority, which has appointed additional senior counsel to assess the possibility of appealing his acquittal.