Just weeks after being cleared of serious sexual assault charges that kept him behind bars for nearly eight years, controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso is back in police custody—this time for violating immigration laws in South Africa.
His sudden re-arrest has reignited public attention and stirred new questions around the justice system, immigration enforcement, and how cases involving high-profile religious leaders are handled.
Arrested After Church in East London
According to South African police, Omotoso was taken into custody on Saturday morning in East London, shortly after a church service.
The arrest was a joint effort between immigration officers and the police.
General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, confirmed the arrest at a press briefing, stating that Omotoso will appear in court on Monday to face charges related to violations of the Immigration Act.
A Tumultuous Legal History
Omotoso, now 66, is the founder and head of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), a church based in South Africa.
He was first arrested back in 2017 and faced a laundry list of serious allegations—32 charges in total—including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Many of the women who testified against him were teenagers when the alleged incidents occurred.
Several said they were handpicked by the pastor under the guise of religious mentorship, only to be assaulted and then told to pray for forgiveness afterward.
Acquittal Sparks Outrage
In April, Eastern Cape High Court Judge Irma Schoeman threw out the charges, saying the state failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She also criticized the prosecution for mishandling the case, even though she admitted Omotoso’s version of events seemed far-fetched.
The decision sparked outrage across South Africa, particularly among advocates for gender-based violence survivors.
Many felt justice had not been served, especially given the scale and severity of the allegations.
South Africa’s Struggle With Gender-Based Violence
The Omotoso saga is unfolding in a country already grappling with a gender-based violence crisis.
Police statistics show that more than 42,500 rape cases were reported in the 2023/2024 financial year—that’s over 116 every single day.
The case highlighted once again how difficult it is for survivors to find justice and how easily high-profile figures can slip through legal loopholes.
What Comes Next for Omotoso?
Now, with immigration charges looming, Omotoso’s legal troubles are far from over.
While he may have walked free from the initial rape trial, the latest arrest could open a whole new chapter.
As the court date approaches, many South Africans will be watching closely—not just to see what happens to Omotoso, but to understand how the justice system handles repeated brushes with the law from someone once considered untouchable.