Nigerian televangelist, Omotosho set to exit SA after acquittal

Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, who was recently cleared of serious charges involving rape and human trafficking, is expected to depart South Africa on Sunday, according to reports from local media.

Omotoso, aged 66, had faced a total of 32 charges, including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking, tied to young women from his church.

He was found not guilty last month after spending eight years behind bars.

His acquittal sparked outrage across South Africa, especially after the judge criticised how prosecutors handled the case.

According to South Africa’s SABC and Newsroom Afrika, Omotoso was scheduled to fly out of Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport back to Nigeria.

Images broadcast showed Omotoso at the airport in a grey hoodie and sunglasses, chatting to an immigration official.

It was not immediately clear what time his fight would depart.

A transport ministry official told AFP Omotoso did not have to seek clearance from them to leave the country.

State prosecutors said this week they would appeal against his acquittal for rape and would investigate the team that handled the case.

“The NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” it said.

Omotoso heads the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) church, headquartered at the eastern South African coastal city of Durban.

The JDI has branches in Nigeria and in Israel, according to the South African government.

Omotoso was rearrested on May 10 on immigration charges and the South African government said he was subject to deportation.

A magistrates court ordered this week he be released, ruling that he could not be detained for more than 48 hours without being charged.