JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Controversial Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has been deported from South Africa, just days after prosecutors confirmed they would appeal his recent acquittal on a string of serious criminal charges.
The 66-year-old founder of the Jesus Dominion International (JDI) Church left the country on Sunday, May 18, 2025, through Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
Local broadcast footage showed Omotoso wearing a grey hoodie and sunglasses as he was escorted by immigration officials. Authorities declined to disclose his final destination.
Omotoso’s deportation follows a dramatic legal saga that spanned eight years and drew intense public attention across South Africa.
He was acquitted in April on 32 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation — a verdict that outraged many and prompted renewed scrutiny of prosecutorial performance.
Immigration Breach Leads to Rearrest
South African authorities rearrested Omotoso on 10 May for breaching immigration regulations.
The Department of Home Affairs confirmed that his stay in the country had become unlawful.
Days later, a magistrate ordered his release, citing that he could not be held for more than 48 hours without formal charges being brought against him.
Nonetheless, officials moved swiftly to enforce deportation procedures, citing Omotoso’s expired immigration status.
Prosecutors Vow to Appeal Acquittal
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced it will challenge the court’s ruling.
“The NPA takes the view that there are reasonable prospects of a successful appeal despite the complexities of the legal process,” the agency said in a statement released Monday.
The NPA also indicated that it would launch a review of how the long-running case was handled after widespread criticism of procedural lapses that allegedly undermined the prosecution.
Public outcry has focused on the perceived mishandling of evidence and testimony, with women’s rights groups accusing the state of failing victims of sexual abuse.
A Ministry Under Scrutiny
Omotoso, originally from Nigeria, founded the Jesus Dominion International Church in Durban.
The church, which maintains branches in Nigeria and Israel, has long drawn criticism from former members and activists for what they claim are exploitative practices and cult-like control.
During the high-profile trial, numerous women alleged that they were groomed and sexually abused by Omotoso after being recruited as followers of the church.
Despite damning testimonies from several complainants, the court ruled there was insufficient corroboration to convict.
The televangelist had been in custody since 2017 until his release and subsequent acquittal last month.
His legal team has consistently maintained his innocence, calling the charges “fabricated and politically motivated.”
Unanswered Questions
The deportation leaves lingering questions about whether Omotoso will return to face potential retrial should the NPA’s appeal succeed.
Legal analysts say international cooperation may be required if South African courts overturn the acquittal and issue a warrant for his return.
Meanwhile, women’s rights organisations and civil society groups are calling for deeper reforms within the justice system to better protect victims of sexual abuse.
As South Africa grapples with the fallout from the case, the spotlight remains firmly on the NPA’s next move—and whether the pursuit of justice for alleged victims will gain renewed momentum.
