Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Deported from South Africa Following Acquittal and Immigration Arrest

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa following a series of legal and immigration challenges. Omotoso, the senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), was seen departing O.R. Tambo International Airport, marking the end of his prolonged legal battle in South Africa.

Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 on over 90 charges, including rape and human trafficking. After years of legal proceedings, the Eastern Cape High Court acquitted him of 32 charges on April 2, 2025, citing insufficient evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, his acquittal was met with public outrage, as many of his accusers, including minors, had testified against him.

Following his acquittal, Omotoso was rearrested on May 10, 2025, for violating South Africa’s immigration laws. The Department of Home Affairs declared him a prohibited person, stating that his continued stay in the country was unlawful. Despite legal attempts to challenge his deportation, Omotoso ultimately chose to leave South Africa