Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested in South Africa, just weeks after he was acquitted of multiple charges, including rape and human trafficking.
South African authorities confirmed that the 66-year-old pastor was taken into custody early Saturday morning in East London.
The arrest was carried out jointly by officers from the South African Police Service, the Department of Home Affairs’ Immigration Inspectorate, and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).
Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International Church in South Africa, was first arrested in 2017 and faced 32 serious charges involving rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Several young women, some reportedly still in school at the time, testified that he singled them out for abuse and would often pray for forgiveness after the encounters.
Although Omotoso was acquitted last month on all charges after spending nine years in custody awaiting trial, his recent arrest stems from separate immigration-related concerns.
Speaking on the matter, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest and clarified its basis.
“Yes, I can confirm it is Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 a.m. in East London after concluding a church service,” Masemola said. “The arrest was carried out by immigration officers alongside police units. He is facing immigration-related charges and will be appearing in court on Monday, where further details will be made public.”
Authorities have not yet disclosed the specifics of the immigration violations, but legal proceedings are expected to shed more light in the coming days.
