Controversial Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Deported from South Africa Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

Timothy Omotoso, who was found not guilty of all charges, is head of the Jesus Dominion International Church

Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa following his acquittal on rape charges last month. Despite his departure, South African authorities say legal proceedings against him will continue.

Omotoso, who has consistently denied the 32 charges brought against him, was accused of sexually assaulting several young women who were members of his church, Jesus Dominion International, based in Port Elizabeth. One of the accusations came from a woman who claimed she was raped by Omotoso at the age of 14.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed it will appeal the court ruling that acquitted Omotoso, and stated that his presence in South Africa is not required for the appeal process. If the appeal is successful, the NPA intends to seek his extradition through the existing bilateral extradition treaty between South Africa and Nigeria.

Televangelist Timothy Omotoso in the dock of the Port Elizabeth High Court

Omotoso left the country via OR Tambo International Airport, reportedly wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses. South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs confirmed that he had flown back to Nigeria and noted that there were no legal grounds to prevent his departure following his acquittal.

The pastor was first arrested in 2017 while attempting to flee South Africa and has since faced intense scrutiny and legal battles. His case became a landmark moment in South African history as the first high-profile rape trial to be broadcast live.

In addition to the criminal charges, Omotoso faced immigration issues. Earlier this month, the Department of Home Affairs stated that he had been residing in South Africa illegally. On Sunday, the department announced that Omotoso had been officially declared an "undesirable person" and barred from re-entering South Africa for at least five years.

Despite the legal controversies, Omotoso remains the leader of Jesus Dominion International, a church with branches in Nigeria, the UK, France, Israel, and several regions of South Africa, according to its official website.

Although he left the country voluntarily, South African prosecutors remain committed to pursuing justice, emphasizing that legal action will not be deterred by his physical absence.