South African authorities will continue pursuing legal action against Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, despite his recent acquittal and departure from the country. Omotoso, who faced 32 rape-related charges involving young women from his Port Elizabeth church, was found not guilty last month. However, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) plans to appeal the ruling and said his presence is not needed for the appeal process.
Omotoso was seen leaving South Africa for Nigeria, reportedly via OR Tambo International Airport. Following his acquittal, the Department of Home Affairs declared him an “undesirable person,” barring him from reentering the country for five years due to immigration violations. Authorities say if the appeal is successful, they will seek his extradition through a bilateral treaty with Nigeria.
The high-profile case, first brought in 2017, marked a legal milestone as South Africa’s first live-broadcast rape trial. Omotoso leads the Jesus Dominion International church, which operates globally, including in Nigeria, the UK, and South Africa.
