East London, South Africa — May 10, 2025
Controversial Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been rearrested by South African authorities just weeks after being acquitted of 32 serious criminal charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
According to official statements from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs, the 66-year-old pastor was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London, shortly after concluding a church service at Jesus Dominion International, the ministry he leads.
NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM
NaijaBlog_Daily reports that Pastor Omotoso was initially arrested in 2017 on multiple charges involving the abuse of young female congregants, many of whom were reportedly minors and still in school at the time. Victims testified that Omotoso would pray for forgiveness after each alleged act of abuse.
However, in a major legal turn, Omotoso was acquitted last month on all 32 charges, having spent nine years in detention awaiting trial. His release sparked mixed reactions across South Africa and Nigeria.
Confirming the new arrest, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola disclosed that the latest detention is tied to immigration-related violations, not criminal charges.
“Timothy Omotoso was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church service,” Masemola told reporters. “The arrest was executed by officials from the Immigration Inspectorate of the Department of Home Affairs in collaboration with SAPS and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).”
He added that Omotoso is expected to appear in court on Monday, where the exact details of the immigration charges will be revealed.
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While the nature of the immigration offense remains unclear, South African authorities have emphasized that foreign nationals must comply with visa, residency, and work permit regulations, especially when operating public platforms like churches.
Omotoso’s legal battles have long drawn national and international attention, fueling debates around sexual abuse in religious institutions, justice delays, and now immigration enforcement.
Stay tuned to Naija Blog Daily for updates on Timothy Omotoso’s court appearance and related developments.
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