A Nigerian pastor recently cleared of multiple rape charges has been taken into custody again in South Africa, this time over alleged immigration violations, police confirmed on Saturday.
Timothy Omotoso, head of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, was arrested by immigration officials and police in East London shortly after leaving a church service, said national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola. Omotoso, 66, is expected to appear in court on Monday.
His arrest comes just weeks after he was released from prison following a high-profile legal battle that began in 2017. He had faced 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, with several victims testifying that they had been groomed and assaulted by him, some while still in school.
Omotoso’s acquittal last month stirred public outrage in South Africa. Eastern Cape High Court Judge Irma Schoeman noted that while the pastor’s explanations were implausible, the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing procedural mishandling and weak evidence.
Omotoso’s two co-accused, both female church assistants, were also acquitted.
South Africa continues to struggle with high levels of gender-based violence. Police figures show more than 42,500 rape cases were reported in the 2023–2024 financial year—averaging over 116 incidents a day.
