Nigerian pastor Omotoso ‘illegally in SA’ and set to be deported

Weeks after being acquitted of rape, racketeering and human trafficking charges, Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso has again been arrested.

Last month, the controversial televangelist was acquitted of 30 charges because the court found that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Omotoso was guilty.

The alleged victims of his sexual crimes included female members of his church, some as young as 14, according to court records.

Following his release, Omotoso had told reporters that he would continue his ministry.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola said Omotoso had been re-arrested on Saturday morning.

Violating the immigration Act

He said Omotoso had been arrested in East London.

“This morning at 5 am members of the home affairs immigration inspectorate, together with the South African Police Service (Saps) and TRT arrested Omotoso. He will be facing charges in relation to the Immigration Act,” he said.

Masemola said Omotoso would be making an appearance in court on Monday.

Home Affairs confirmed the arrest, saying Omotoso is illegally in the country and would be deported.

“The arrest follows the decision of the Minister of Home Affairs to reject the application submitted by Omotoso in terms of section 8(7) of the Immigration Act that sought to overturn the earlier decision of the Department of Home Affairs to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person.

“Omotoso earlier challenged his status as a prohibited person in court, and the court held that his status should be remitted back to the Department for reconsideration.

“After carefully reconsidering the matter, the Minister upheld the decision to declare Omotoso as a prohibited person.”

Omotoso is set to appear in court on Monday, 12 May, on charges of contravening provisions of
the Immigration Act.

Omotoso in the dock

The televangelist had been on trial for eight years at the Port Elizabeth High court.

During his trial there were reports that he had been receiving preferential treatment in prison.

However, the department of correctional services denied this.

ALSO READ: Key witness in tears as Omotoso acquittal sparks outrage

Outrage over Omotoso’s release

His acquittal sent shock waves through the country with some opposition parties expressing their concerns about the verdict in parliament.

The Citizen reported that Omotoso had booked the Orient Theatre in East London to conduct his seven-day crusade from last Sunday, but the municipality cancelled the booking of the hall, apparently due to pressure from the local religious community.

NOW READ: Churches reject Omotoso’s Buffalo City crusade plans