South African authorities have announced plans to appeal the acquittal of Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was cleared of 32 charges, including rape, last month. Despite his departure from the country, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says legal proceedings will continue, asserting that Omotoso’s physical presence is not required for the appeal to proceed.
Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International church with branches across the UK, Nigeria, France, Israel, and South Africa, was accused of sexually assaulting young women from his Port Elizabeth-based congregation. One of the most harrowing testimonies came from a woman who claimed she was raped by the pastor at the age of 14.
The case, which began after Omotoso’s dramatic arrest at a South African airport in 2017, became a landmark legal event. It marked the first high-profile rape trial to be broadcast live in South African history, drawing intense public and media attention.
Following his acquittal, Omotoso left South Africa for Nigeria. Footage from OR Tambo International Airport showed him wearing a hoodie and dark sunglasses as he departed. The Department of Home Affairs later confirmed he had been classified as an “undesirable person,” effectively barring his return to the country for five years.
While acknowledging there were no legal grounds to stop Omotoso from leaving post-acquittal, the NPA has stated that if the appeal is successful, it will request his extradition under South Africa’s bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria.
In addition to facing legal scrutiny, Omotoso encountered immigration issues. The Department of Home Affairs had alleged earlier this month that he was residing in South Africa illegally prior to his departure.
The BBC has reached out to the NPA for clarification on how the extradition process could proceed given Omotoso’s current immigration status.
This development reignites a contentious and emotionally charged case that has polarized public opinion in South Africa and beyond, as victims and rights activists continue to seek justice through the appeals process.
