Nigerian Televangelist Timothy Omotoso Rearrested in South Africa Weeks After Acquittal

Controversial Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested by South African authorities—just weeks after being acquitted of multiple rape and human trafficking charges.

According to confirmed reports from the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs, the founder of Jesus Dominion International Church, based in South Africa, was apprehended around 5 a.m. Saturday in East London.

Rearrested on Immigration Grounds

National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest, stating that Omotoso’s latest legal trouble stems from immigration-related issues.

“He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church,” Masemola said.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court on Monday, and everyone will know exactly what charges he’s facing.”

The operation involved officials from the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).

Background: Years of Legal Drama

Omotoso, 66, was initially arrested in 2017 on 32 serious charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The allegations centered around several young women—some still in school—who testified that Omotoso used his spiritual authority to abuse them and would often “pray for forgiveness” afterward.

Despite spending nine years in detention, he was acquitted last month on all charges, in a move that sparked outrage among some advocacy groups.

What’s Next?

Omotoso’s court appearance is scheduled for Monday, where the exact nature of the immigration charges will be revealed. His arrest has once again placed the controversial preacher at the center of a legal storm, now shifting from criminal accusations to possible immigration violations.