A Nigerian televangelist who was recently acquitted of multiple rape charges is set to leave South Africa, according to local media outlets. Timothy Omotoso, the head of Jesus Dominion International Church, was seen at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, reportedly preparing to return to Nigeria.
Omotoso, aged 66, had been in custody for nearly eight years before the court found him not guilty last month on 32 serious charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. The verdict has drawn criticism across the country, especially after the presiding judge criticized the prosecution for mishandling the case.
Footage aired by state broadcaster SABC and Newsroom Afrika showed the pastor wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses, speaking with immigration officials at the airport. However, no official details have been released regarding the timing of his departure flight.
A spokesperson from the Department of Transport told AFP that Omotoso did not require special authorization to exit the country. Still, his exit comes just days after South African prosecutors announced they intend to appeal the acquittal. Authorities also confirmed they will be investigating the original prosecution team’s conduct.
In a recent statement, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) noted, “The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process.”
Omotoso’s church, Jesus Dominion International, is based in Durban but has branches extending to Nigeria and Israel, according to South African officials. The church has remained under public scrutiny since allegations against the pastor first surfaced.
The preacher was re-arrested on May 10 on immigration-related issues. Government officials stated that he was subject to deportation, though a magistrate later ruled that his detention could not exceed 48 hours without formal charges being filed. Following that judgment, he was released and allowed to proceed with his travel plans.
