Popular Nigerian Pastor Recently Acquitted of Rape Rearrested in South Africa

A Nigerian pastor who was recently acquitted of multiple rape charges has been rearrested in South Africa on immigration-related offences. Timothy Omotoso, leader of the Jesus Dominion International Church, was taken into custody by police and immigration officials in the town of East London on Saturday morning, shortly after a church service. He is expected to appear in court on Monday.

Omotoso, 66, had spent nine years in custody before his release last month. He was originally arrested in 2017 and faced 32 charges including rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. Several young women, some of them minors at the time, accused him of sexual abuse and manipulation under the guise of spiritual guidance.

His acquittal in April by Eastern Cape High Court judge Irma Schoeman provoked widespread anger across South Africa. While the judge noted that his explanations were implausible, she ruled that the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt due to mishandling of evidence and procedures. Two co-accused, who were also members of his church, were acquitted alongside him.

South Africa, which continues to struggle with a high rate of gender-based violence, recorded more than 42,500 reported rapes in the 2023–2024 financial year, averaging over 116 cases daily.