A South African High Court in the Eastern Cape has acquitted Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso of rape and human trafficking charges after he spent eight years in prison. Omotoso, along with his co-defendants Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, had been facing a 32-count charge related to allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation.
The pastor, who leads Jesus Dominion International in Durban, was accused of luring young women to his home in Umhlanga, South Africa, where they claimed he sexually assaulted them. The case, which gained widespread attention, led to Omotoso’s dramatic arrest at a South African airport in April 2017.
After years of legal battles, Judge Irma Schoeman ruled that the prosecution failed to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. The ruling means that Omotoso, who has maintained his innocence since his arrest, will now be released and deported to Nigeria.
Reports indicate that the case faced multiple challenges, including delays and inconsistencies in testimonies. While some of the women alleged that they had been manipulated and abused, the court ultimately found insufficient evidence to convict the pastor.
Omotoso’s legal troubles had kept him behind bars for nearly a decade, drawing mixed reactions from the public. His supporters have long argued that he was wrongfully accused, while critics believed the accusations should have led to a conviction.
