Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso deported from South Africa
By Jeffrey Agbo
Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa, days after prosecutors announced plans to appeal his recent acquittal on multiple serious charges.
Omotoso, 66, was acquitted last month of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, following an eight-year legal battle. His acquittal sparked public outrage across South Africa, with critics blaming prosecutorial missteps for the outcome.
According to local media reports, Omotoso departed South Africa on Sunday via Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport. Broadcast footage showed him wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses while speaking with immigration officials. Details of his flight schedule were not immediately available.
The televangelist, who heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) Church based in Durban, was rearrested on May 10 for immigration violations. Authorities confirmed he was subject to deportation.
Earlier this week, a South African magistrate ordered his release, ruling that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without formal charges.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has since announced its intention to appeal the acquittal and investigate how the case was handled.
“The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” it said in a statement.
JDI has branches in Nigeria and Israel, according to South African government records.
