By Abiola Olawale
A Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International, has been re-arrested in South Africa early Saturday morning, just weeks after his acquittal on multiple rape and human trafficking charges.
It was gathered that the 66-year-old pastor was taken into custody in East London, Eastern Cape, on allegations of violating the Immigration Act, according to South African authorities.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said its operatives in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate, arrested Omotoso at about 5:00 AM in a church in East London on Saturday.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed the arrest, stating that Omotoso faces charges related to immigration violations and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 12, 2025.
He stated: “Well, I know it’s Omotoso. He was arrested this morning around 5 o’clock in East London as he was finishing the church.
“Inspectorate immigration of the Department of Home Affairs, together with the South African Police Service and TRT [Tactical Response Team], did effect the arrest.
“The arrest is based on immigration matters. He will appear in court somewhere around Monday, and everybody will know exactly what charges he’s facing. But it’s immigration-related matters.”
Omotoso, founder of Tim Omotoso Global Outreach and Ancient of Day Broadcasting Network, was initially arrested in April 2017 on 32 charges, including rape, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
The allegations involved several young women, some of whom were school-aged, who claimed Omotoso lured them under the guise of spiritual guidance and sexually exploited them.
However, Omotoso was released last month, nine years after he was jailed to be tried on charges of raping and sexually assaulting several young women from his church.
His release came after Eastern Cape High Court Judge Irma Schoeman acquitted him of the charges against him.
