By: IDNN Africa Watch Desk
The legal drama surrounding Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso is far from over. Weeks after his controversial acquittal on 32 counts of rape and sexual abuse in South Africa, authorities there are preparing to appeal the judgment — and may soon seek his extradition from Nigeria.
South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it would challenge the court’s decision despite Omotoso’s departure from the country. He was filmed boarding a flight at OR Tambo International Airport, en route to Nigeria, donning a hoodie and sunglasses.
Acquitted but Not Cleared: NPA Fires Back
The NPA maintains that the ruling was flawed and vows to exhaust every legal avenue.
“His presence is not required for an appeal to proceed,” a spokesperson clarified.
“Should the appeal succeed, we will activate the bilateral extradition treaty with Nigeria.”
Omotoso was originally arrested in 2017 while trying to flee South Africa. Among his accusers was a woman who claimed he raped her at age 14 — part of a larger scandal involving members of his Jesus Dominion International Church.
Immigration Breach: ‘Undesirable’ Status Confirmed
In a dramatic twist, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs declared Omotoso “undesirable” — barring him from re-entering the country for at least five years.
This follows revelations that he may have resided illegally in South Africa after his visa expired.
While immigration enforcement no longer applies due to his departure, the designation may complicate any future legal proceedings should the appeal result in a retrial.
Cross-Border Tensions and Church Influence
Omotoso leads a multinational religious empire with branches in the UK, Nigeria, France, Israel, and multiple South African provinces. His followers have defended him fiercely, while rights activists continue to criticize the outcome of his high-profile trial — the first sex abuse case in South Africa to be broadcast live.
The case has stirred debates over the legal system’s handling of gender-based violence and the influence of charismatic religious leaders in African societies.
