Deported After 8 Years of Legal Drama: Pastor Timothy Omotoso Returns to Nigeria

 

Durban, South Africa – Lagos, Nigeria | May 2025 – After an eight-year-long legal battle that captivated South African media and deeply divided public opinion, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso, senior pastor and founder of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), has finally been deported to Nigeria. His departure follows a highly controversial and much-publicized court case involving rape, human trafficking, and racketeering allegations.

In this post, NaijaRush unpacks everything you need to know about Timothy Omotoso's dramatic legal saga, his eventual acquittal, and the circumstances surrounding his deportation. This article provides deep insights into the case, the controversies, public reactions, and what comes next for the embattled pastor.

Who is Timothy Omotoso?

Born in Nigeria, Timothy Omotoso, now 66 years old, is a prominent Christian preacher and televangelist. He is the founder of Jesus Dominion International, a church headquartered in Durban, South Africa, as well as the Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network (ADBN). He is also the author of Christian books such as "How to Enjoy Health and Wealth and Longevity."

Over the years, Omotoso gained a significant following both in South Africa and Nigeria through his charismatic preaching style, spiritual healing services, and televised sermons. However, his reputation took a sharp downturn when he became the subject of a criminal investigation that led to one of South Africa’s most sensational televised trials.

The Beginning of the Legal Storm: Arrest and Charges

Omotoso’s troubles began in earnest on April 20, 2017, when he was arrested by South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks. His arrest took place at Port Elizabeth International Airport, as authorities moved swiftly to detain him before he could potentially flee the country.

The charges against him were severe and deeply disturbing. Prosecutors accused Omotoso of:

• Multiple counts of rape

• Human trafficking of underaged girls

• Racketeering

The accusations centered around claims that Omotoso and his co-accused had lured young women under the pretense of religious mentorship and then abused them sexually.

One of the most chilling testimonies came during court proceedings in 2018, when a witness alleged that Omotoso had raped her at the age of 14. The emotional testimony sparked national outrage and reignited debates about sexual violence in South Africa—a country already struggling with alarmingly high rates of gender-based violence.

A Legal Battle That Dragged On for Years

What was expected to be a swift prosecution turned into a legal marathon that dragged on for eight long years. The trial encountered multiple delays due to:

• Endless legal technicalities raised by Omotoso’s defense team

• Numerous appeals and procedural motions

• Courtroom drama and allegations of bias

Despite the seriousness of the charges, the case faced serious procedural missteps. On April 2, 2025, the Eastern Cape High Court ruled in favor of Omotoso, stating that the prosecution had failed to uphold the standards required for a fair trial.

According to court documents and statements from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA):

“Earlier prosecutors mishandled the case and failed to adequately cross-examine the defence. Significant procedural failings led to a miscarriage of justice.”

As a result, the court acquitted Timothy Omotoso of all 32 charges and ordered his immediate release from prison, where he had been held since 2017.

His co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also acquitted of all charges, bringing the long and controversial case to a close — at least from a judicial standpoint.

Re-arrest and Deportation: How It Happened

Just days after walking out of prison a free man, Omotoso was re-arrested on May 10, 2025, not by police but by immigration officials in East London, South Africa. It turned out that his legal status as a foreign national had expired, and the Department of Home Affairs acted swiftly to deport him.

According to a Sunday report by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC):

“He consented to deportation and boarded a 3:10 p.m. flight to Lagos.”

Eyewitnesses at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg described how Omotoso, dressed in a grey hooded jacket, black track pants, and sunglasses, was escorted by police from the domestic arrivals terminal to the international departures section. He had earlier arrived from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

He was expected to land in Lagos, Nigeria by 8:30 p.m. on the same day.

The South African Department of Home Affairs issued an official statement confirming that:

“Timothy Omotoso will be barred from re-entering the Republic of South Africa for a period of five years.”

Public Reactions: Controversy, Support, and Outrage

The public response to Omotoso’s release and deportation has been deeply divided. Some of his supporters have hailed the verdict as a triumph of justice, maintaining that he was a victim of persecution.

However, many advocacy groups, especially those working with survivors of sexual violence, have condemned the outcome. Critics argue that the acquittal highlights serious flaws in the South African legal system, particularly in cases involving sexual offences.

The televised nature of the trial also sparked debate. While some believe that live coverage allowed for transparency, others feel that it sensationalized trauma and put undue pressure on victims and witnesses.

What’s Next for Timothy Omotoso?

Now that he is back in Nigeria, many are wondering what the future holds for Pastor Omotoso. Will he return to ministry? Will he attempt to rebuild his reputation or remain out of the public eye?

As of the time of writing this report, there is no official word from Jesus Dominion International about his next steps. His Ancient of Days Broadcasting Network (ADBN) has also not released any statements.

However, given his prominence in religious circles and his massive following, it’s likely that Omotoso will remain a controversial figure for years to come.

Final Thoughts: A Case That Raised Hard Questions

The Timothy Omotoso case is one of the most high-profile legal battles in South African history. It sparked nationwide conversations about:

• The treatment of victims in the justice system

• The integrity of high-profile trials

• How legal procedural errors can undermine justice

It also drew attention to the growing influence of foreign preachers in African societies and the responsibilities that come with religious leadership.

As South Africa continues to grapple with issues of justice reform, gender-based violence, and immigration, the Omotoso saga will serve as a reminder of both the power and limitations of the legal system.

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Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think justice was served? Should Omotoso be allowed to preach again?