Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested in South Africa just weeks after being acquitted of multiple charges of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
South African police and the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that the controversial pastor was taken into custody in the early hours of Saturday in East London. The 66-year-old leads the Jesus Dominion International Church, based in South Africa.
Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 and faced 32 charges, including rape and the sexual exploitation of young women—some of whom were reportedly schoolgirls at the time. Witnesses claimed he would routinely handpick victims and, following each alleged assault, pray for forgiveness.
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Despite the grave accusations, Omotoso was acquitted last month of all charges after spending nine years in custody awaiting trial.
However, authorities have now confirmed that his latest arrest is not linked to those earlier charges. National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, disclosed that the arrest was made on immigration-related grounds.
“Yes, it’s Omotoso. He was arrested around 5 a.m. in East London just after finishing at the church,” Masemola said. “The Department of Home Affairs Inspectorate, alongside the South African Police Service and Tactical Response Team, effected the arrest.”
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He added, “He will appear in court on Monday, where the specific immigration charges will be disclosed.”
The circumstances surrounding Omotoso’s immigration status are yet to be fully clarified.
