Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso has been rearrested in South Africa on immigration-related charges, just weeks after his acquittal on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
Omotoso was taken into custody on Saturday morning in East London, Eastern Cape, shortly after a church service. He is currently being held at the Mdantsane police station. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that the arrest was conducted jointly by the South African Police Service and the Department of Home Affairs, citing violations of the Immigration Act.
The 66-year-old pastor of Jesus Dominion International had been acquitted in April 2025 after spending approximately eight years in custody awaiting trial. The court ruled that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Political party ActionSA has welcomed Omotoso’s arrest and called for his immediate deportation, stating that his continued presence in South Africa is “utterly indefensible” given his prior legal controversies.
Omotoso is expected to appear in court on Monday to face the new immigration-related charges.