Nigerian Pastor Tim Omotoso Acquitted of All Charges After Eight-Year Trial

Timothy Omotoso, a Nigerian televangelist and senior pastor of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) Church, has been acquitted of all charges by the Eastern Cape High Court in South Africa. The court ruling came after an extensive eight-year legal battle, with Omotoso facing accusations of raping, sexually assaulting, and trafficking young women from his congregation. Judge Irma Schoeman found that the prosecution mishandled its case, leading to the dismissal of 32 charges, including sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Omotoso, who was arrested in 2017, was accused of using his church to recruit vulnerable women under the guise of spiritual guidance, only to exploit them sexually. The lengthy trial saw numerous legal hurdles, with Omotoso’s defense team challenging the evidence and accusing the prosecution of procedural errors. Despite some irregularities in the proceedings, Judge Schoeman ruled that the case could continue but ultimately cleared Omotoso of all charges.

Throughout the trial, Omotoso maintained his innocence, and after the ruling, he was seen praying and kneeling in the courtroom, visibly emotional. The decision marks the end of a case that attracted significant attention due to its controversial nature and the severity of the allegations.

With his acquittal, Omotoso is expected to return to Nigeria, where he will face further scrutiny over his actions. The case highlights ongoing concerns about judicial oversight and the handling of high-profile trials in South Africa.