In a surprising verdict delivered at the Gqeberha High Court, Nigerian televangelist Pastor Timothy Omotoso has been found not guilty on all 32 counts of rape and human trafficking he was facing.
Omotoso was arrested in 2018 on numerous charges, including sexual assault, human trafficking, and racketeering.
Appearing in court on Wednesday morning alongside his co-accused, Lusanda Solani and Zukiswa Sitho, both high-ranking members of his church, Omotoso will now be released after a protracted legal battle that lasted nearly eight years.
The trial, a prominent sexual abuse case in recent years, was marked by significant delays due to changes in legal representation, judicial recusals, and multiple unsuccessful attempts by Omotoso’s defence to have the case dismissed.
The prosecution presented disturbing testimonies from survivors who described how Omotoso allegedly exploited his position of power to coerce young women, some as young as 14, into sexual acts.
However, the court concluded that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, deeming the witness statements unsatisfactory. Consequently, the judge ruled in Omotoso’s favour, acquitting him of all charges.
The verdict has already elicited strong condemnation from women’s rights organisations, who argue that justice has not been served for the alleged victims.
