Nigerian Pastor Timothy Omotoso Faces Deportation from South Africa For Charges of Rape, Sexual Assault, and human trafficking.

 Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, recently acquitted of multiple charges including rape and human trafficking, has been declared an illegal resident by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and is now subject to deportation.

Omotoso, 66, was arrested on May 10, 2025, in East London, Eastern Cape, weeks after his acquittal by the Gqeberha High Court. The court had found him not guilty on 63 charges, citing prosecutorial mishandling and insufficient evidence.

Following his acquittal, the Department of Home Affairs reviewed his immigration status. Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, upheld the decision to declare Omotoso a prohibited person, leading to his arrest on immigration violation charges.

Omotoso is scheduled to appear in court on May 12, 2025, to face charges related to contravening provisions of the Immigration Act.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with various groups calling for his deportation. Action SA, a political organization, has demanded his immediate removal, stating that individuals who exploit faith for personal gain have no place in South Africa.

Omotoso, the senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International Church in Durban, had been in custody since his arrest in 2017. His trial, which spanned eight years, highlighted issues within South Africa's justice system, particularly concerning the handling of gender-based violence cases.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Department of Home Affairs has stated that Omotoso's status in South Africa remains under review, and further actions will be determined based on the outcome of the ongoing legal processes.