Nigerian pastor, Timothy Omotoso, recently acquitted of multiple rape charges in South Africa, was preparing to leave the country on Sunday, according to local media reports. His departure comes just days after South African prosecutors vowed to appeal the court ruling and re-examine the handling of the high-profile case.
Omotoso, who leads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church based in Durban, was found not guilty last month of 32 serious charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. The verdict sparked public outrage, with many criticising the judiciary and the prosecution team’s handling of the case, which spanned eight years.
State broadcasters, including SABC and Newsroom Afrika, reported that the 66-year-old pastor was spotted at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses, speaking with immigration officials. The exact timing of his departure for Nigeria was not immediately confirmed.
Although Omotoso was re-arrested on immigration-related grounds on May 10, a South African magistrates’ court ordered his release this week, ruling that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without formal charges. A transport ministry official confirmed to AFP that he did not require special clearance to exit the country.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced plans to appeal the acquittal and to investigate the conduct of the original prosecution team. “The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the authority said in a statement.
Omotoso’s JDI church operates not only in South Africa but also has branches in Nigeria and Israel, according to government sources. His legal saga has drawn national attention, particularly over issues of justice for alleged victims and the competence of the justice system in handling sensitive, high-profile sexual abuse cases.
The outcome of the appeal process and the broader inquiry into the case’s mishandling are likely to remain under scrutiny as authorities face mounting pressure to restore public confidence.
