Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has quietly exited South Africa amid a whirlwind of public fury and legal uncertainty, following his controversial acquittal on rape and human trafficking charges. His departure comes as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) gears up to challenge the Eastern Cape High Court’s decision that set him free after nearly a decade-long legal battle.
Omotoso, the flamboyant founder of the Jesus Dominion International Church, was spotted at OR Tambo International Airport recently, boarding a flight bound for Lagos, Nigeria—marking the end of his eight-year incarceration in South Africa. According to reports by TheSouthAfrican, his exit unfolded just weeks after the High Court dismissed the chilling charges of rape, sexual assault, human trafficking, and unlawful confinement leveled against him.
At the time of filing this report, SaharaReporters confirmed that Omotoso had left South African airspace and was expected to touch down in Lagos around 8 p.m. local time.
The acquittal, however, has ignited a firestorm of backlash from human rights advocates, women’s groups, and legal observers who argue that the justice system has failed the victims. The shockwaves of the court ruling continue to reverberate across the nation, with critics accusing the judiciary of abandoning vulnerable women whose voices demanded justice.
Omotoso’s co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also acquitted. But legal experts say the trio’s freedom may be short-lived, as the NPA prepares an appeal that could see the charges reinstated.
In a dramatic twist, the NPA has launched an internal probe into the handling of the high-profile case, raising questions about potential lapses or misconduct by prosecutors during the trial.
Adding another layer to the saga, Omotoso appeared on May 10 at the East London Magistrate’s Court on immigration-related charges. His swift release from custody further fueled rumors that he was preparing to flee—rumors that now seem confirmed.
Following his exit, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has imposed a five-year ban on Omotoso, barring him from re-entering the country. “After the expiry of that period, he will have to apply for permission to be in the country. At that point, the department will assess the information and motivation provided to make a decision,” said department spokesperson Siya Qoza.
While Qoza declined to comment on specific travel details, he confirmed Omotoso’s movement within the African continent and reiterated the Department’s stance on re-entry protocols.
As South Africa grapples with the implications of the court’s ruling and its potential reversal, the fate of Timothy Omotoso remains entangled in legal complexities—and public outrage.
PIONEER NEWS 