Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested in South Africa just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
According to The PUNCH, the 66-year-old leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London by South African police and immigration officials.
Omotoso was first arrested in 2017 on a slew of allegations, including 32 counts of rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Several women, many of them minors at the time, had testified that he exploited them under the guise of spiritual mentorship.
Despite the serious accusations, a South African court cleared him of all charges last month. His acquittal, which came nearly nine years after his initial arrest, sparked mixed reactions across the country.
Confirming the rearrest, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the latest charges are immigration-related.
“Yes, I can confirm that Mr. Omotoso was arrested around 5 a.m. in East London. The operation was carried out jointly by the South African Police Service, Tactical Response Team, and officials from the Department of Home Affairs’ immigration inspectorate,” Masemola said.
He added, “The arrest has nothing to do with the previous criminal charges. It is strictly related to immigration compliance, and the public will get more clarity when he appears in court on Monday.”
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has yet to provide detailed information about the specific immigration violations Omotoso is accused of. However, sources say the authorities are investigating the legality of his residency and work status in the country.
Omotoso’s previous legal saga attracted national attention, with emotional testimonies from alleged victims and widespread media coverage. His rearrest could potentially ignite fresh public debate about accountability and justice in high-profile religious cases.
He is expected to appear before a magistrate early next week.
